With the recent controversies with Facebook’s policies on its users’ privacy is it still wise to continue using it?
The internet, while not exactly new, changes at an incredibly fast pace. Cyber laws can’t keep up with the shift in cyber spaces, hence the many loopholes companies can go through. This usually comes about with the most sensitive topic there is, privacy. Particularly, privacy in one’s information. When we sign up for certain websites or apps we not only give away our information and data about us but we also agree to terms that allow these companies to do what they please with these. The power users may have is to boycott certain websites but is it really possible?
Platforms like Facebook are difficult to boycott when you really think about it. The website has become integral part of our lives, we use it to connect with friends, family and even colleagues. With its easy to use interface it attracts different people from different populations. Facebook is also a tremendous help for small businesses, allowing them to connect with a wider audience on a platform that is free. With all that in mind, it will be difficult to completely remove it from our daily lives unless something just as good comes along.
Then again, that’s the thing. Is it possible for companies to truly ensure the privacy of their customers? It’s a tricky subject since it involves money and at the end of the day these companies are still businesses whose main goal is to earn. The best we can hope for is that there will be laws that protect us and our information. Will it come in time for another privacy breach? Who’s to say.**By Aisha Barry, UB Intern
