Because being able to use the advances of technology to better communicate requires relinquishing some amount of privacy, it requires compromise. For example, allowing social media platforms to track your other online activities increases the site’s ability to cater to your interests but also gives them the ability to track your digital moves.
Contemplate your own level of comfort regarding privacy. Review the Pew Research Center article, “Privacy and Information Sharing”, which argues that for many people, their decisions regarding privacy management depend upon the specific situation at hand.
Think about your own experience with privacy policies. Select 2 or 3 scenarios from the list below (or choose your own) and write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper analyzing privacy and tracking policies related to each:
Workplace security and tracking
Health information, convenience, and security
Consumer loyalty cards and profiling
Auto insurance discounts and monitoring
Personal details and advertisements
For each scenario:
Briefly summarize your experience. Include details that describe how and why your data is collected.
Ex: Which third parties have access to your data?
Explain any conflicts between privacy and disclosure that you or other users may feel in this scenario. Include details related to management and protection of your data or identity.
Ex: Do the policies have provisions for minors as well as adults? What control do you have related to editing, deleting, or controlling your identity? Can you “opt out” of any disclosure requests? What happens to your user profile and data once you stop using the service or site?
Describe how your awareness of the privacy and tracking policy affects your online or offline behavior.
Provide your personal stance on the privacy scenario. Assess whether the privacy policy is warranted. Provide rationale for your answer.
Format your assignment according to APA guidelines.
Submit your assignment.