THE CYBER PEEPING TOM SYNDROME. I SEE YOU...

If you feel like you are being watched is because you are. I see you…

Internet privacy is a hot topic that continues to raise many ethical issues. Is using the web worth sacrificing your privacy? Free comes at a cost.

There seems to be a growing misuse of technology and data. The Profit vs. Privacy war. In today's world one click can allow you to make a purchase, find a soul mate or ruin someone’s reputation (or your own). I feel that we are becoming the unsuspected hosts of body snatchers or parasites.

To add insult to injury individuals and corporations with a shady moral compass practice and encourage amateur detective activities that could result in character assassinations. Misuse of information and taking findings out of context can tarnish and permanently damage reputations. If your reputation is deemed your biggest asset, chances are you are one click away from bankruptcy.

Today, while working on my LinkedIn profile I noticed several users chose to hide their identity. Why does LinkedIn support the Peeping Tom behaviour? Should I not have the right to see who is viewing my profile? If someone has to hide behind anonymity, then they have no business peeping.

I only like cookies with milk but many websites, and systems violate your privacy by allowing third party cookies to track you. The data that is being harvested is being analyzed, sliced, bought, and sold to the highest bidder.

Somehow, the frowned upon concept of profiling has become a very lucrative industry. Our every move is being watched, how we communicate, browse, shop and work is being used to create a picture of our interests, habits, and even ethnic backgrounds.

Since ‘internet” is imminent, at least wine me and dine me first. Companies have an ethical responsibility to protect everyone’s privacy. Stop the nonsense of Implied Consent vs. Expressed Consent. No means no and yes means yes. Give users the choice to opt-in or out in very simple terms. Users should not have to have a Harvard degree to understand the privacy policy. Promote transparency not anonymity.

As a technology provider I’m a firm believer that privacy should always trump profits. Safeguard your privacy, remember that finding another solution is just one click away.