The reading refers to data as “collected insights.” Within modern, technological products, personal data can be stored online through web browsers, apps, etc. The use of this is to make such products more individualized and subjective towards the specific user, therefore their personal data is often stored through cookies, log-in services, etc. However, the not only does this make technology more efficient when logging on to different browsers, as well as particular functions becoming more efficient to load as well, because they are being used more frequently. Personal data storage creates the risk of another person viewing such data, as because it is stored, someone has to be able to reach it. Specifically, because the data exists in the first place, an individual has the ability to obtain this. The problem here is that data storage is serving as a means for potential identity fraud, loss of information, etc; it is serving as a lens for online malicious intent. People can figure out a way to keep track of someone’s technological habits and patterns, people can track someone else’s location using data found online, people can potentially even find medical records, addresses, and extremely private information if they look in the right places. Therefore, a problem presents where the existence of online personal data storage, rises the existence of malicious intent using such data. Although this may be speculation, I think that this problem is probable because not every single user on the internet, person online, etc. is trustworthy enough to not do these things. Due to the fact that there are inexplicably “bad” people in the world (and things regarding it,) personal data that is stored online, and really anywhere else, can never be completely safe from invasion.
2 thoughts on “Abby Bangs-Data”
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The collection of data is a truly terrifying notion when connected to identity theft. So much of our identity is stored online. Social Media like Facebook display your birthday, hometown, schools, and other components of data that can contribute to an identity being stolen. Additionally, with iPhones utilizing FaceID scans, passwords are collected and saved onto people’s phones and can all be accessed if an Apple ID is compromised. I agree with you that you can never be completely safe from an online invasion of privacy, but it is important to remain sharp when it comes to cybersecurity.
I agree with a lot of what you have said here. I think it data collection even when it is used for “good” or beneficial means there is always the risk that this digital construction of a consumer or user of a product can be leaked. Data has always been collected on people (birth date, census information, etc), however now most of this data is stored for the sake of convenience through digital means which are open to being hacked. It is frightening to think that all this information about our lives and habits could be available to anyone who has the means to access it, whether through hacking, paying to obtain the information or direct access as someone who works for a particular company. As the article I wrote about demonstrated, even supposedly anonymous data can sometimes be linked back to the original user.