Internet PrivacyJillian Brinberg, Maggie Kowalski,

Sylvia Han, Isabel Smith-Bernstein, Jillian Brinberg

What is Privacy?

An individual’s confidential information, behavior, and communications. Ranges from minor

details to serious and classified information

Everyone is susceptible to privacy breaches

Online privacy is a heavily debated issue

A Brief HistoryAs new methods of communication are produced, (the

printing press, the computer, the internet) new ways to breach privacy become possible.

The first article advocating privacy in the US was published in 1890, which was largely a response to newspapers and photographs. Was a response to the Fourth Amendment: “The right of

the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

A Brief History Continued

Over the last decade, the fourth amendment has been applied to digital technology.

As the internet becomes increasingly popular, people become increasingly worried about their safety online.

Criticisms

Some people are not aware of the amount of privacy lost when entering the online world The amount of privacy one has can be heavily influenced by

the user’s choices

Information of Internet users are too easily accessible through ISPs Data logging

Third parties can access personally-identifiable information of the user by looking at their Internet activities

Public records are available free or for a fee

Benefits

Security

Being able to make purchases without fearing identity theft

Balancing utility vs. privacy

CompromisesGoogle Street ViewCookiesSocial Networking

Compromises

Google Street ViewMany worried about loss of privacy

Anyone can find an acquaintance’s house

Check out hotels before traveling Avoid parking ticketsView real estateBlurs peoples’ faces and certain geographic locationsSolve crimes. Don’t believe me?

take a look!

Compromises

CookiesMany worried about the data stored by cookies

Can only store IP addresses

“small elements of data that web sites store on visitors’ web browsers in order to provide them with a more tailored user experience”

Tiny text filesTrack anonymous web user behaviorOptimum online experience, not spyware

Social Networking SitesStupid users put a lot of unnecessary personal

information onlineMany worried about identity theftNetworking jobsKeeping track of old acquaintances Sense of community

Compromises

What should be done?

Educate!!People will use the Internet regardless of the risksThe best thing to do is teach safe Internet behavior

Harsher punishments for violations of Internet privacy laws