Call me a pessimist, but I'm a bit against the whole idea of "freedom of sharing information." My technology course instructor Zoe Branigan-Pipe shared in class the beauty of Google Docs and how it allows you to access your information/documents anywhere you are (as long as you have internet access) without having to carry around a USB key. As Nicole tweeted our instructor's hilarious joke about memory sticks, I did agree that online memory space creates a great advantage as well as convenience for us busy worker bees. However, the thought that an online conglomerate has access go all our information and files in their pool of "collection" generously contributed by its users.
I just find it unsettling to know that someone is overseeing all my information, and the information of others. Even if I label it as "private" the creators of that label could know how to work their way into private documents... It's the same thing as the new Roger's Home Security System. Your entire home is monitored by the technology in your home, and you are updated every time someone walks in or leaves the home. You can control your lighting, heating, and security stuff from your phone.. This means that the information is sent to Rogers Headquarters, and then sent to your phone.. Or vice versa. Either way, the Head Quarters is able to monitor the details of your lifestyle with out officially "intruding" into your private sphere.
I'm sure there are promises and policies that are there to protect users and customers of these technologies, but I'd like to see how other people find it first, and then maybe I'll bandwagon. :)
Having worked in risk for a long time, I can say that new technologies do present new risks and information is stored and passed at an incredible rate, but I know that before we had these technologies...similar risks existed. Its just perception. For example, I know people who wont use on-line banking, but I can tell you the same risks existed before banking went online. Privacy, fraud (just different) etc....so I say embrace or do what you find most comfortable like stone tablets? JK :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic post that gives a variety of perspectives. I agree, it is unsettling how uncertain security and privacy is on the web - one of the main reasons that I advocate that schools and educators across our planet should be teaching safe and appropriate online skills. If educators aren't doing it, I wonder who will?
ReplyDeleteYou certainly show your passion and voice in your writing. I look forward to continue posts.
Zoe
The same risks of banking did exist before online banking, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that I fear centralization of information. Especially information about our daily/private lives. I have no problem using online banking services; heck, I love it! However, banks are limited to information about our finance, spending patterns, and other monetary related aspects. Rogers, for example, is one entity that is becoming one of the largest provider in telecommunications, internet, cable, and home security. If willing, they have access to our entire lifestyle and private information. As mentioned in my previous post, if we're able to see who enters and exists our home from our phone miles away, who's to say that the deliverer of that image doesn't have access to it later? Also, "Cloud" technology (where you have access to your home computer and/or TV wherever you are) is another example of centralization of information. In the end, centralization makes it too easy for a single party to access a large amount of private information without having to go through numerous smaller sources.
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