Information Technology & the Value of Protecting Privacy

The Concept of Privacy

Humans are unique compared to other living things on Earth. Each person is different and lives a distinct life with specific personal choices. Naturally, people don’t want to share everything about their lives with others (publicly). This is why they care about privacy and want to keep their personal world safe.

The idea of protecting privacy started with an important article in the Harvard Law Review.

(The importance of privacy was first discussed (highlighted) in the Harvard Law Review

It said people have a "right to be left alone," based on the idea that a person’s individuality should not be violated. (based on the principle of "inviolate personality."), emphasizing the need to protect personal dignity and autonomy.

Privacy Concerns with Information Technology

Unfortunately, privacy is now under threat due to advances in Information Technology (IT). IT allows the processing, storage, and circulation of massive amounts of data through computers and communication networks.

While IT makes life easier, it compromises "informational privacy." When personal data is uploaded to the Internet, it often loses its confidentiality.

Individuals no longer have full control over who accesses their data. As IT continues to evolve, personal data processing has increased dramatically, raising concerns about data breaches and the risks associated with personal information exposure.

The Importance of Protecting Informational Privacy

Every online activity generates vast amounts of statistical data. Data mining reveals usage patterns that help determine user interests and behaviors. When third-party services access this data, they use it to their advantage, often in unethical ways. Protecting privacy involves addressing several ethical issues:

Personal Harm: If someone gains access to an individual's personal data—such as bank details, social media profiles, or cloud storage—they can misuse it in harmful ways.

Informational Inequality: Data protection laws regulate data transmission and provide users with safeguards. While data protection laws aim to ensure fair handling of personal data. However, information access remains uneven, because large organizations have more control than individuals.

Informational Injustice: Personal information given for one purpose (such as online shopping)  (e.g., commercial transactions) may be used for a completely different one (such as healthcare)(e.g., healthcare), leading to unfair (unjust) discrimination or disadvantage.

Violation of Autonomy and Dignity: Mass surveillance or public access to personal data can influence individual behavior. People may alter their actions to conform to societal trends or avoid disapproval. Viewing individuals solely based on their digital data such as through social media undermines human dignity.

IT is rapidly expanding into every aspect of human life, making privacy concerns more relevant than ever. Once personal data is collected and exposed, it can never be fully private again. 

Although privacy threats have always existed, IT has intensified them by enabling large-scale monitoring of individual activities. Companies analyze user behavior and sell data for financial gain, sometimes for unethical purposes.

(Modern technology enables the monitoring of every user activity, recording and processing vast amounts of data about individuals. This data is often analyzed and sold to third parties for financial gain or even malicious purposes.)

Threats to Privacy in the Digital Age (Specific Privacy Risks)

Smartphones: Smartphones have numerous data-generating sensors, such as GPS, motion detectors, and cameras, which transmit data worldwide. Location data is particularly sensitive, as it can lead to physical dangers like stalking or robbery. Although cameras are designed to operate with user consent, they can be hacked, raising serious privacy concerns.

Cookies: These small data files, stored on users' devices by websites, track user preferences. However, their actual purpose is often unclear. While laws require user consent, most people unknowingly grant permission due to poorly designed interfaces.

Cloud Computing: In the past, user data and programs were stored locally, preventing vendors from accessing them. Now, with cloud computing, data is stored online, making its location, applicable laws, and access permissions uncertain.

The 21st century is dominated by big data, deep machine learning, and tech giants like Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple. These companies rely on extensive personal data surveillance. Governments also conduct mass data collection through secret programs, while defense forces use advanced digital tools for surveillance and control.

Privacy Risks on Social Media

Social media plays a crucial role in modern life but also raises privacy concerns. Hackers can steal personal data for identity theft, blackmail, stalking, cyberbullying, or spreading misinformation. Advertisers collect user data for commercial gain, often without explicit consent.

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Everything (IoE) connect devices like smartphones, home appliances, and sensors. These networks enable seamless communication but also create vast opportunities for data breaches.

The Way Forward

Since IT is now essential to modern life, protecting privacy must be a priority in all online activities. Steps to enhance cybersecurity include:

• Stronger Cybersecurity Laws: Governments must enforce strict cybersecurity regulations to protect users.

• Adopt Privacy by Design: Online service providers must integrate privacy features into their products, services, and business practices (infrastructure), following the seven principles of 'Privacy by Design.'

• Implement Identity Management Policies: Companies should (must) adopt policies (ethical practices) for user authentication and access control to minimize data breaches.

• Secure Cloud Computing: Cloud service providers must ensure data privacy using advanced encryption techniques like homomorphic encryption.

• Promote Safe Online Behavior: Users should follow cybersecurity guidelines and use privacy-enhancing technologies such as Tor , which anonymizes communication.

By taking these measures, individuals and organizations can better protect personal data, ensuring privacy remains a fundamental human right in the digital age.

In conclusion, while IT has revolutionized life, it has also created significant privacy challenges. Protecting privacy must be a priority to ensure individuals can maintain control over their personal information and safeguard their dignity and autonomy.