Giants Are Pushing For Revised Privacy Laws
There is a growing public interest in the issue over internet privacy. In no other time has there been like today’s heated debates over it. In the past, privacy laws were there, and were applicable during that era. Then technology became more sophisticated but at the same time user-friendly. This gave rise to internet companies that collect user’s data to build their own marketing niche.
Here comes the privacy issue. Users became open to providing their personal information to these companies. Unknowingly, they are also opening their “doors” to intruders. Using their own supplied information, users are being tracked by companies that thrive on data marketing. Some of these marketers could abuse and take advantage of using this to push their own purpose.
Adding complexity to the issue on privacy is the fact that existing privacy laws are already outdated. Information technology has grown very rapidly, but privacy laws have remained dormant and hence obsolete. Users’ privacy could no longer be fully covered. It is very easy for an interested party to gain access to personal data or behavior of online users. Companies that have possession of these data cannot simply say “no” whenever they are called to turn these over to authorities. This is because existing privacy laws “allow” such access to records.
Facebook and Twitter as social networking companies hold so much personal data. This host of information provided by their users is the responsibility of these companies. It is their obligation to protect them by keeping them confidential. With the state of privacy laws, these companies can be compelled to let loose of these data. This is true especially if it is government’s protocol. It is in this situation that conflicts of interest emerge and can be detrimental to both parties.
Different groups have pushed for the revision of these laws. Giants in the internet industry have actually joined forces to call for thorough revamp of privacy laws. Even some government officials also believe that the change is inevitable. It should be implemented soon. Actually, the government has given a hint that 2011 would mark the rebirth of privacy laws. This time, these would be more timely and relevant to the existing conditions in the online community.
