Personal identities for sale
Kian Hagerman
Mesa Legend
Whenever discussion of online privacy comes up, there is one major component that is often left out of the conversation; how the companies that are entrusted with the personal information use it. Often addressed in terms of service, or draped in other forms of legalese, companies will tell consumers what the scope of their intentions are with any information divulged to them. That they may “transfer” data to countries outside the United States or European Union, is often a clear indication that this is exactly what they intend to do. Some companies will sell personal information, and then render any information they have to those in places that have fewer laws and restrictions on how that data may be used. Rather than this being a foregone conclusion, consumers should have some say in the matter.
Websites like Facebook and Twitter for example. are becoming an integral part of the lives of many people.
Access to such sites is kept “free” for consumers, because they agree that these social media giants can analyze the content contributed to their websites, and in tandem with marketing companies target users with advertisements.
A possible solution might be giving consumers a choice, to pay a fee for these companies to not use personal information, similar to the hulu model of paying a premium to not watch commercials. Those that wish to opt out of sharing sensitive information would have an avenue to do so, while still allowing for those that do not wish to pay the ability to continue using a service as they have done previously. Those that control access to the information of others should give consumers more options regarding how aspects of their personal lives are bought and sold.
