Should governments do more to protect internet privacy? [ENDS 19/12/2012]

Should governments do more to protect internet privacy?
Ends: 19/12/2012

This really is a hot button issue for debate. There has been much controversy over various aspects of online privacy, such as Facebook's privacy policy, Google Maps street views that often were criticized for being too close and personal, whilst even capturing people etc.

People nowadays leave large amounts of information online, whilst not knowing the implications. This would in turn signify more of it being public, to some 'undesirable' people and companies.

On one side we have the argument that it is the person's responsibility when giving out information online. It's up to the said person to protect themselves, whilst reaping the benefits of using online services.

On the other hand, we have some who argue that many companies who collect data often do what they like to it and don't keep it safe. They would argue new privacy laws and urgently needed to counter the threat of opaque rules that would allow companies to capture and spread one's personal information.

So should governments step in with new laws? You decide.

I think education should play more of a role within educating on the implications of putting personal details out there on the web. As you said a lot of people don't even know what details can be found about them. Coming from another point of view, I understand some will think it's up to parents to educate their children about safety etc whilst on the internet however, unlike our generation a lot of parents aren't familiar with the internet and such concepts such as social media. Saying that I think slowly overtime there will be a shift in attitude towards everything online related as most people our generation have been bought up with the internet and technology together.

In short; educate, educate, educate. There's always going to be the screw ups in life who don't take notice and make silly choices, imo not the governments problem to such as extent.

Who on earth would trust government in this or just about any other matter?

In the free market, if a company is collecting information (and doesn't hide this fact) then you have one option - don't use the service. If the company does hide this information, then there are laws that can be used against any company hiding information which can cause harm to the customer.

As economist Milton Friedman explains here, with the Ford Pinto example..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ2lNfGSvnk

If the risk of using a website or service is known, then you cannot really complain.

I know with my bank they have extra security measures for you when purchaing and such online; perhaps that could happen with other sites too. I think also people assume that they're safe on websites but I think education is key. I know when I was in High School I wasn't told what to do and what not to do online, it was only my parents who told me and they're knowledge was limited. Another problem with security is that there are always new viruses and malicious software being created so it's even harder to monitor and stop it. I would say they could do more for security rather than limiting content with age restrictions.

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Originally Posted by -:Undertaker:-

Who on earth would trust government in this or just about any other matter?

In the free market, if a company is collecting information (and doesn't hide this fact) then you have one option - don't use the service. If the company does hide this information, then there are laws that can be used against any company hiding information which can cause harm to the customer.

As economist Milton Friedman explains here, with the Ford Pinto example..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ2lNfGSvnk

If the risk of using a website or service is known, then you cannot really complain.

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The problem with that video (and therefore your comparison) is that Friendman defends the fact that ford did not warn their customers about the defective gas tank saying that 'the consumer should be free to decide what risk they want to take' and that 'people individually should be free to decide how much they're willing to pay to reduce the chances of their death'. People in this case were assuming the risk of a small car, they were not knowingly taking the risk of being killed by a faulty gas tank however.

I agree with what was said above about educating, and people definitely need to be aware of the possible consequences of sharing information on the Internet. People have a choice, and if they don't want their information to exist on the Internet then the shouldn't post it. It's the responsibility of people to ensure that they use the Internet wisely and that they keep private information to themselves and don't go posting everything on the Internet.

However, that doesn't mean that companies and websites do not have a responsibility as well. Like with, for example, Google Streetview, it should be their (Google's) responsibility to make sure that people aren't visible when users are accessing Streetview - as people didn't opt in to having their picture on the service. However, I haven't actually heard of that happening. Anyway, what I'm saying is that sharing your information e.g. Email address with a website you're signing up to, should be fine and that website should keep your information safe and not share it.

But are more laws really required? I don't necessarily think they are, and there are already laws in place which can protect consumers against particular practices of a company, and provided people have the ability to keep themselves save, and there was laws which already ensure that companies help with that, then there's no need to imo.

---------- Post added 15-12-2012 at 05:39 PM ----------

Quote:

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Originally Posted by -:Undertaker:-

Who on earth would trust government in this or just about any other matter?

In the free market, if a company is collecting information (and doesn't hide this fact) then you have one option - don't use the service. If the company does hide this information, then there are laws that can be used against any company hiding information which can cause harm to the customer.

As economist Milton Friedman explains here, with the Ford Pinto example..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ2lNfGSvnk

If the risk of using a website or service is known, then you cannot really complain.

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The video has been removed by the user.
As for your last line, I agree and that's basically what I've said :P.