The Loss of Privacy in the Digital Age

As technology advances and the number of users has exponentially increased, mass tracking has become a wide reaching part of modern day life. Governments, corporations, and individuals all use data and information provided by technology to gain knowledge on its subjects. This can range from harmless information on consumer tendencies to personal data such as social security numbers. This is what makes mass tracking and data gathering so scary to billions around the world. The thought that content you don't want in the public can be stored and shared without your consent. This is why privacy and understanding how technology works have become so important in the digital age. As it has become increasingly important for individuals to understand the implications of their technological practices and take action in order to preserve their personal freedoms.

Mass tracking technology is a double edged sword. Although it allows for the constant surveillance of criminals, terrorists, and foreign governments. It also means that everyday individuals are constantly being monitored and manipulated. At the end of the day there is no difference between a terrorist device and your device. They both use the same networks, social media, and sites to communicate. The only difference is that terrorists are being focused by government agencies and law enforcement because of the physical threat they present. But deep down, you are being tracked, recorded, and stored the same way. Although you may not mind the tracking of simple interactions with friends or family harmful, as we continue to use technology more and more it becomes more than just that. In the past two decades, individuals entire lives have moved online, and we nearly store every piece of sensitive and private information on our devices. For example, things like passwords, banking information, photos, cameras, audio, texts, and search history can all be accessed. And despite what some people may say, I think most of us may have more to hide than we think. 

The implication that this violation of personal data comes from the very government that is sworn to represent the people is scary. This violation of trust is nothing short of a breach of our civil liberties and could not have been predicted during the writing of the constitution. It is also unfortunate that many leaders, citizens, and individuals of today are to scared to address the problem. There have been numerous court cases, legal proceedings, and government hearings to address this very issue. Although no tangible progress has been made due to the implications of its decisions, this takes power away from the government and massive corporations that have grown in increasing control over our legislators and political activists. So, if one were to stand up against the majority, they would surely see the end of their power. Thus, discouraging the necessary amount of people to come together to secure and protect our civil liberties online. 

So, what does this mass tracking mean for everyday individuals? Well, I think the first goal in preventing the mass tracking of personal data is knowing that it happens to everyone. Every time we use a device we open ourselves to the possibility of data tracking and exposing our information to hostile parties. Tracking is almost always at play and you never really have privacy. We typically sign that right to privacy away when we skip through and don't read the terms & conditions. However, in such a fast paced and dynamic world, it is often difficult to think about all the data you are possibly exposing. So, in order to limit the impacts, you can start by only providing information that you are comfortable sharing. This helps limit the sensitive and personal information placed anywhere on your device. Also, having responsible passwords and systems to store all your information acts as a defense line against hackers. Take advantage of technologies like VPNs that act as another line of defense against intruders. Ultimately you want your technological presence to run almost like any company, by being able to use technology however you need but also protected all the sensitive information that you possess. Finally, hold government officials and corporations accountable for keeping your information safe. If people work together to show how important and unjust these violations are it will help make privacy the number one priority for governments and tech companies around the world.