Post 7: The Age We Run Naked

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         Is there such a thing called “real privacy”? When we walk around in private property when we open up a private browsing mode on our devices… have we thought about if we were actually private?


The answer is no, absolutely not. We are living in an age where nothing we do is truly private, especially when we are working with our most trusted friend - cellphones - on a daily basis. In fact, for every app we click onto, for every site we visit in the digital world, we leave an inerasable trail of marks that clearly defines who we are and will follow us where we go. 


        Of course, everything is a double-sided sword. With the advancement of big data, we can have customized personalized experiences when we are making a purchase, enjoying entertainment, etc. However, we are also leaving our privacy behind, which has no difference between “running naked”. This is a choice that people nowadays have to make, to gain a private and liberal life with our own digital world? Or to sacrifice the information privacy in exchange for some more personalized service?


        There are several parts to this question, firstly, how to regulate private companies from collecting and using our information, secondly, should the government act as a good standard? Well, sometimes, clearly it is the governments who are making our information more than anything else. 


        So, what can we do? In an age where all of us, no matter where we are, are running naked, we can teach ourselves to make smart choices, carefully read through terms of use when using digital services, have a good habit of clearing cookies, and learn to fact check and protect our own information security. Use this double-sided sword as a tool to help improve living quality, but try not to hurt yourself with the flip side of the sword!



Sources:

https://www.ted.com/talks/juan_enriquez_your_online_life_permanent_as_a_tattoo.

https://www.ted.com/talks/catherine_crump_the_small_and_surprisingly_dangerous_detail_the_police_track_about_you.

https://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_soghoian_how_to_avoid_surveillance_with_the_phone_in_your_pocket.

https://www.ted.com/talks/darieth_chisolm_how_revenge_porn_turns_lives_upside_down.

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