Protecting our Privacy- Blog Post #5

 

    Having seen various TED Talks on privacy and drawing from my existing knowledge, I realize these topics do have an impact on me. Every action I take is under surveillance and monitored. Varying from private phone calls to locating where I am. It is frightening that the government knows where we are, who we talk to, and what we are interested in. It is important to be aware of what you are doing, and what information we willingly give out. We need to be cautious that someone can access our information at any time. It is very sad that we doo not have privacy when it comes to being online and technology.

    In the first TedTalk, "Your Online Life, Permanent as a Tattoo" by Juan Enriquez, he explains how tattoos are a way to tell stories. He compares body tattoos to electronic tattoos and how they both last forever. In simpler terms, anything you do online or on a phone is out there forever, just like a permanent body tattoo. This was a very helpful comparison that blew my mind! He also talks about how when we capture a picture on our mobile devices, it identifies each individual in the photo and even generates separate albums for your friends and family members within your camera roll. The facial recognition technology can identify the names of everyone in a photo you take and download all their records. That scares me!

    

    Another TedTalk that I watched by Catherine Crump, was "The small and surprisingly dangerous detail the police track about you". She discusses that tracking and surveillance is only increasing. The government is always tracking us even if we haven't done anything wrong. She referenced automatic license plate readers as an example, explaining how local police forces maintain records of every plate and your location. They can monitor your destination to which you are headed and your companions who are with you. Even if you haven’t done anything wrong, they still keep all the records. Whether it's going to a private doctor's appointment or even to where you work or your house, they can see every move you make. This is so frightening and alarming! The government does not even need this information especially if you have done nothing to harm anyone!

    To protect ourselves from the government, we need to be aware at all times and watch what we do and say. Although that is sad and unfortunate that we have to even think about that, it is true. You cannot get away with anything, someone is always watching. Watching these TedTalks was very alarming and eye-opening for me, It is alarming to think about technology's power and the government's access to it. I'm grateful we learned about this subject so that I can be aware of various measures I can take to avoid constant tracking, like turning my phone off. Being knowledgeable about this issue and knowing the risks associated with social media and the fact that nothing you share online is truly private. This matter impacts me, and everyone else and we must act and be aware all of the time.