Data Privacy
Discussions and alternatives
Pretty vague as to what folks mean when we talk about "data"
- Personal information (identity)
- Behavioral information (activity)
- Preferences/propensities (?) (patterns)
These flow (roughly) in order or fluidity and are likely circular - preferences are influenced by repeated behavior which can then shape identity
Data Today
Why does it matter?
"If I don't have anything to hide, why should I care?"
- Data as a means to power
- The ability to predict and influence what you see, purchase, consume, etc. (online and irl)
- Data is essential in nearly every industry (like ours!)
- It behooves companies to acquire it as an advantage (marketing)
- and governments to maintain power and control (with both +/- outcomes)
- Questions of privacy and freedom - what are our basic human rights? Is there a right to be forgotten digitally?
Thoughts?
Experiences trying out alternatives, privacy scares, other?
There has been a ton of press about this recently:
Press and Discussion
As we all know, most digital & social spaces are occupied by "big tech" (Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Huawei, Samsung)
Severely limits the digital solutions available to consumers and prevents the introduction of new platforms.
The digital Landscape
| Service | Name | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail, Outlook | Google, Microsoft | |
| Social | Facebook/Insta, TikTok, Twitter | Meta, Tencent, Twitter |
| Messaging | Messenger, WhatsApp, Slack | Meta, Meta, Salesforce |
| Browser | Chrome, Edge | Google, Microsoft |
| Search | ||
| Maps | Google Maps | |
| Conferencing | Zoom, Meet, FaceTime | Zoom, Google, Apple |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS | Microsoft, Apple |
| Internet service | :( | :( |
| Web hosting | AWS | Amazon |
| Video hosting | YouTube |
Monopolies
Not a great outlook!
Alternatives provide an escape from dense ecosystems (Google, Apple, Microsoft)
- Innovation
- Decentralized
- Open-source
- Privacy friendly
But have always have some barrier to entry - support, price, total usage
Alternatives!
Doesn't read and sell the content of your emails
Privacy, tracking, and marketing block lists by default
No tracking on clicked links or auctions of search results to agencies
Encrypted messages and calls - no data collection
Free, encrypted video chat free from censorship
Many services lack a strong alternative
- Maps
- Video sharing
- Social networks
- Operating systems
Others?
Enclosed (registered) services are often the most clear way a company can access your data
Browsing is a major vector for security & tracking
-
uBlock Origin
- lightweight ad & tracking blocker
-
Terms of Service; Didn't Read
- quickly get the jest of a site's terms of service
Browsing
As a data collection company, what are our responsibilities (to participants, utilities, ourselves) regarding the use of our data?
Closing convo
Other Resources
- A collection of privacy-respecting alternatives
- A detailed walk through of major privacy topics
Data Privacy
By jacksongoode
