Social Networking Making Privacy a Priority

PRIVACY? Is it even remotely possible? Should we have a valid expectation of privacy? One of our basic constitutional rights as Americans is to live free. Freedom and privacy go hand in hand. Electronic Privacy Information Center [EPIC] offers tips to overcome or thwart common privacy invaders. These guidelines should be of interest to all of us in our every day lives.

SOCIAL NETWORKING PRIVACY

On the other hand, privacy in cyberspace is a whole different animal. Whenever a critical mass of people join a network community, serious privacy concerns inevitably emerge. The Social Networking platform is the catalyst moving thousands to dole out personal information on a massive scale. On social networking sites members are at risk of having their private information become publicly available. Is it too late to ask the hard questions ..

• Have we abandoned our privacy for the sake of the Social Web?

• What is the answer for the expectation of confidentiality in regards to a social networking system?

• Can we expect a guarantee that our information and identity would remain anonymous?

To the concerned, the good news is, technology companies are working on progressive privacy policies. Several answers which cover many of the aforesaid concerns are addressed at privacyrights.org

As good business dictates a significant online presence, we as consumers have demanded stringent government-mandated privacy regulations. Commissioner Swindle’s speech on Fair Information Practices in the Electronic Marketplace, positions himself by conveying the following:

“Effective privacy protection is more than a numbers game, and the private sector is continuing to address consumer concerns about privacy because it is in the industry’s interest to do so. Let us not make the search for the perfect the enemy of the good. The best way to build consumer trust and to ensure the continued growth of the Internet is through a combination of education, strong industry self-regulation, and strong FTC enforcement under existing legal authority.”

To this NFi Studios responds with a hearty “amen!”

No doubt. We must support a safe environment on Social Networking sites. Associations and members in particular, need to make privacy a priority! Privacy issues must remain a corporate effort. Business association networks must be on a mission to build trust and confidence. By promoting the principles of disclosure and informed consent, individuals can stay informed and constantly seek to prevent abuses of personal information.

So, to answer the questions concerning privacy. No, the privacy issue has not been perfected. No guarantees, yet. We swim at our own risk. Yes, self regulation is working; government mandates are working and social networking continues to thrive with a watchful eye on the cyberspace privacy predator.