Privacy or Security? Pick One

We've all seen that "random" ad appear on our screen that is directly related to the issue you were just talking about with a friend. You might be thinking to yourself, "Wow, what a coincidence!" However, you may be shielding yourself from the terrifying idea that we are, in fact, being heard.

According to a TedTalk by Christopher Soghoian, the government has access to everyone's phone calls, text messages, computer searches, emails, and a slew of other technology-related data. What is the reason for this? One of the reasons, according to Christopher, is to intercept messages sent between terrorists, drug dealers, and maybe anything else that could threaten the United States. That makes sense and seems acceptable until you realize it implies the government has access to not only drug dealers' and terrorists' phones, but also ours. 

Our technology, which we own and use on a daily basis, are not only scrutinized by the government, but also by large enterprises and corporations. They can be linked to third parties, allowing anyone with the touch of a few buttons, clicks, or searches to access our information and invade our privacy. Companies like Facebook can target adverts for various people by invading people's privacy and collecting personal information. In reality, Facebook uses tracking pixels to collect information on your surfing habits, which explains why I've been seeing Sephora ads after searching for a product I saw on a TikTok trend. Facebook is always watching. 

So, is AI beneficial or harmful? Everything, of course, has the potential to be used for good or evil. It enables the search for and purchase of products or information easily. It can also protect us from the villains in our world. However, when used within the home, it has the potential to invade people's privacy, and it can essentially be used to violate human rights. What used to be limited to a physical area called the home has now been expanded to cyberspace. 

Where is the line between right and wrong? Is our technology being controlled by "big brother" or is it safe and secure? It is important for people to be able to keep information out of unauthorized hands. The advancements we've made in technology are amazing, but like anything new, there is always a threat we must be cautious about. I believe it's important to look at everything we use on a daily basis so that we can try to anticipate any possible risks that might be associated with it. Overall, privacy and security must not be a victim to the advancements of technology.

For more information, visit: https://www.ted.com/talks/ted_myerson_big_data_needs_big_privacy