Chapter 5 : Consumer Privacy on the Internet

Now a days Consumer privacy is a most important concern on the Internet. The surprising expansion of the Internet has created a number of privacy issues that society has never encountered before. Many internet marketing allows anyone to do disguised searches, asset verification checks and criminal background checks on any individual for a nominal fee. Additionally, some websites allows users to order a background check on any individual in the database. This public record report includes property ownership, civil judgments, driver's license physical description and summary of assets. Privacy issues on the Internet relate to two important concerns. The first concern is, users' ability to check the speed, nature, and order of the information they view. Spam is a control concern because it violates privacy, steals resources, and compares to receiving a piece of direct mail with postage due. 

A second concern relates to the ability of users to address and understand how organizations collect and use personal information on the Internet. Many Web sites require visitors to identify themselves and provide information about their wants and needs. Some Web sites track visitors' footsteps through the site by storing a cookie, or identifying string of text, on their computers. The use of cookies can be an ethical issue, especially because many users have no idea that this transfer of information is even occurring. 

Internet privacy is an important ethical issue because most organizations engaging in e-commerce have not yet developed policies and codes of conduct to encourage responsible behavior. While there have been international regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives to address these issues, there is no global effort to deal with online privacy. The initiatives that have been developed deal with consumer privacy from businesses and trade organizations. 

A Web site operator must post a clear and prominent link to a notice of its information practices on its home page and at each area where personal information is collected from children. The notice must state the name and contact information of all operators, the type of personal information collected from children, how such personal information is used, and whether personal information is disclosed to third parties.

5 Ways to Protect your information on the Internet

Today there are many professional hackers who can hack into your email and get your banking and other personal details, leading to online scams and identity theft. But you can avoid that with these seven tips that help protect your privacy and identity online.

Change your password regularly

When was the last time you changed your passwords for your email, online banking, social networking accounts? Do you use the same password on every site you use? Have you shared your password with anyone? If yes, then it is high time you change your password. Of course, once is not enough. Make sure to change all your passwords every two to three months. Also, no matter how close you are to someone, do not divulge your password to her.

Hide your IP address

Did you know that your IP address can reveal personal information about you? Yes, that includes your area, city, state, zip code and browse type. Although this may seem harmless you never know who is lurking the Internet, waiting for any information he/ she can get about you and in turn invade your privacy. Install a software on your computer that helps you hide your IP address and your online activities too.

Avoid giving out personal information

We've all received emails from institutions or banks asking for personal details at some time or the other. However, if you've noticed, they never ask you for passwords or bank account details as this information must remain with only you. Hence, if you receive a mail requesting such information, know that it is spam and do not reply.

  Use WiFi protection

Wi-fi hotspots are major platforms for hosting cybercrimes as these can be used by multiple users anywhere around the Wi-fi area. For securing the Wi fi connection, use a password and don't disclose it to anyone. Also use an online anonymity product that shields your identity by passing all of your searches and information through an encrypted VPN tunnel.

 Review privacy setting

Don't assume that the default privacy settings on any website will protect your private information.  Make a habit of regularly reviewing the settings.  It's a good practice to check out your settings after any site changes. If you notice anything different on the site, use it as a reminder to check your privacy settings.


 

Chapter 5 : Personal Information on the Internet

"Protect your personal information because the Internet never forgets," - Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

"The Internet lets you share information with anyone, anywhere, at any time, but not without some peril to your privacy," Canada’s Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart warned.

"There are nearly two billion people now using the Internet and two billion people who can potentially access information about you with the click of a button. So whenever you put your personal information in cyberspace, whether accidentally or by design, it may be impossible to control who uses it and how."

What's the risk?

"Strangers could use it to embarrass you or damage your reputation. Businesses could use it to track your personal likes and dislikes, without your knowledge or consent. It could also be stolen and used in ways that cause you significant personal and financial harm."

"You may not realize it, but whenever you go online, you’re building an identity through the words and images you post and the activities you do. This can become part of your reputation, and it can be a lasting one. Once personal information goes online, it may be difficult to delete. While you may be able to delete it in one place, there may be cached versions or copies stored elsewhere that you cannot control. Digital storage is cheap and computer memory is plentiful. And, unlike people, the Net never forgets."

So it’s important to think about what you’re doing online, and to always protect your information.

The quantity, accessibility and persistence of personal information online affect privacy in ways that are of mounting global concern. Governments, privacy professionals, corporations, academics and students from around the world are marking the annual Data Privacy Day to help raise awareness about the impact that technology is having on our privacy rights and to promote the protection of personal information.

"The threats to privacy are huge and growing. So the protection of personal information has to be the responsibility of everyone – data-protection authorities, organizations and individuals alike, in Canada and around the world."

Chapter 5 : Definition of Internet Privacy

What does Internet Privacy mean?

Internet privacy is the privacy and security level of personal data published via the Internet. It is a broad term that refers to a variety of factors, techniques and technologies used to protect sensitive and private data, communications, and preferences.

Internet privacy and anonymity are paramount to users, especially as e-commerce continues to gain traction. Privacy violations and threat risks are standard considerations for any website under development.

Internet privacy is also known as online privacy.

G.J.No Explains More About Internet Privacy

Internet privacy is cause for concern for any user planning to make an online purchase, visit a social networking site, participate in online games or attend forums. If a password is compromised and revealed, a victim's identity may be fraudulently used or stolen.

Internet privacy risks include:

• Phishing: An Internet hacking activity used to steal secure user data, including username, password, bank account number, security PIN or credit card number.
• Pharming: An Internet hacking activity used to redirect a legitimate website visitor to a different IP address.
• Spyware: An offline application that obtains data without a user's consent. When the computer is online, previously acquired data is sent to the spyware source.
• Malware: An application used to illegally damage online and offline computer users through Trojans, viruses and spyware.

Internet privacy violation risks may be minimized, as follows:

• Always use preventative software applications, such as anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-spam and firewalls
• Avoid shopping on unreliable websites
• Avoid exposing personal data on websites with lower security levels
• Clear the browser's cache and browsing history on a consistent basis
• Always use very strong passwords consisting of letters, numerals and special characters