Today, private companies are tracking as many of our movements as they can online, selling that information to other companies that, in turn, share it with law enforcement and the government. The technology they use to do this tracking is advancing rapidly and has become highly sophisticated; meaning that individuals have little chance to take the complex steps necessary to prevent this spying. As stewards of our digital lives, companies are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping private information private. Most urgently, companies should advocate for an update to the outdated Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), which was passed in before the Internet, as we know it today, even existed (1986). Internet users around the world shouldn’t have to choose between new technology and keeping their personal information private. Protections for online privacy are justified and necessary, and the government must help draw boundaries to ensure that everyone’s privacy stays intact in the Digital Age. A 2010 action – “Modernize Our Privacy Law!” – asked everyone to join them in asking Congress to modernize electronic privacy laws. They argue that the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), which should safeguard electronic communications records (like our email or chat logs), as well the information you share with companies, is in serious need of an update. They believe the government should have to go to a judge and get a warrant before it can read your email, browse through your social networking account, or track your location.
Related Articles
From Senegal, Nadia Ahidjo-Iya reports on (in)justice and women rights.
the idea of Dune Lankard
Is there such thing as a "happy" country?
depending on the definition, results are surprisingly different
Learning from the past how to protect our future
USA: Stacy Gallin, Founder and Director at MIMEH, presents in her interview with OLBIOS her work and insights on the most pressing issue: the need for a new moral ethos.
The excellent work of Capoeira 4 Refugees
Whilst in Ireland, grow your own food
awareness with regards to our food from Michael Kelly
portrait of Patrice Motsepe, the efficient South African
Is the Art market even less ethical than the stock market?
the debate organized by Intelligence Squared U.S.
The best Web 2.0 Classrooms Tools (3)
part 3: Poll Everywhere
India, a laboratory for all kinds of innovation
John Elkington on things that need to be done (and some things that should not continue being done) in India
STAY IN TOUCH
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
AND RECEIVE OUR LATEST STORIES
OLBIOS NETWORK FOR ACTION