Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Privacy Policy Threat

As technology becomes more integrated into our daily life and activities, we are in need to be more and more aware of the potential dangers out there. For the most part more and more people are aware, in part due to this blog, about social media tracking and settings within them which allow your information to be stored, analyzed and potentially sold. One threat that is seemingly under the radar are those in “privacy” policies.

Think of how many times you’ve quickly accepted the “privacy” policy, while installing a program, purchasing online and even simply joining a social network. Some of which, such as gaming networks and service providers, tend to update policy from time to time. Ever wonder what is written in those policies? There have been shows, however sparingly, that have even humored the threat of the possibilities of things you may be agreeing to without your knowledge. Well its not only real but its not funny.

Worst of all is the fact that is that you are more to blame than the companies. They provide us with the information and we simply pay it no heed. Even in other aspects of life there have been horrid stories of athletes and musicians who were so eager to join a group or a label that they signed a contract without reading it for themselves only to be devastated when reality hit. Recently Verizon Wireless updated their privacy policy that allows them to keep track of what websites you go to, what apps you use and your physical location. Worse of all we are all opted in by default (most likely due to a prior policy version). To opt out click here and sign into your account. Be sure you OPT out of each section(click on the little dash next to each heading) and save each section. As long as there is money to be made there will be those who will try and take advantage, its up to you to be informed of every decision you made no matter how insignificant.

How do you feel about Verizon’s new policy? Are other carriers doing the same?

<< Back to main