Here goes another rant, but this time about privacy.
Everyone worries about what is collected about them from big companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook. Back when I first started using the internet, it was a time where you NEVER used your last name for anything. In fact, few even knew my first name (hello xpose). The last thing I wanted was someone to know my full name, let alone anything else about me.
Well, times have changed.
Many people use social websites that you sign up for and intentionally post your thoughts, photos, job status, and other personal information. You think nothing of this, as its the norm nowadays. Yet you complain when Google bases advertisements or customized search results on your browsing habits.
So what? What are you afraid of? What’s the worst thing that can happen? Are they amasing a database with the entire population in hopes to one day sell your data and steal your identity? Hardly. You’re not that important.
Zuckerberg was right when he said the age of privacy is over.
People care, but I don’t think they know why exactly. I am not giving these companies a pass for collecting data and not telling its users. What I am saying is that you shouldn’t be surprised. If you want your information to remain private then stop using these sites. In-fact, unplug your ethernet cable and turn off your wireless. You aren’t going to find many places to visit that respect your standards on privacy.
As the web gets smarter, your privacy will continue to decrease over time.
But something tells me you won’t. You’d rather still use these services, complain about their irresponsibility, then check-in to foursquare.