How our lives have changed into a surveillance society.
LIFE BEFORE ONLINE
Technological advancement has been one of great influence in the society we reside in today. We quickly jump onto our social media accounts or pick up our mobile devices. How lucky we are, to live in a world where this is possible. Not so long ago, this was unheard of. The only documentation of events was the disposable cameras purchased at the local store. Communication was maintained through a house phone and letters.
LIFE ONLINE
We have evolved from a lifestyle limited to our everyday surroundings, to what is often referred to as the “Digital natives” as Prensky (2004) calls it. Most of our professional and private lives are actioned through the online platform. Emails allow for interaction from employers to individual, Facebook is used both professionally and in the personal realm and free services (Viber, WhatsApp) allow for people to text and call from all over the world for free. What many people are not aware of, is the data accumulation and privacy issues that are created.
PRIVACY ONLINE
“Privacy is the claim of individuals, groups, or institutions to determine for themselves when, how, and to what extent information about them is communicated to others” (Westin cited in Camenisch, Fischer-Hubner & Rannenberg 2011, pg. 8).
Our life online is one big ‘digital footprint’. This refers to data that is accumulated in information systems, belonging to one individual every time we use a communication device(Camenisch, Fischer-Hubner & Rannenberg 2011). However, the collected personal data from our ‘digital footprint’ is not made available to the individual themselves (Sjoberg, Chen, Floreen et. al). It is stored by one of the major internet companies, such as Facebook or google. There is a setting on the google maps application that constantly retains information, regarding your location at random times throughout the day. Many people are not aware of this. CHECK YOUR SETTINGS!
Have you heard of Data retention? The legislation, Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 requires telecommunication companies to retain particular data for at least two years. This is accessible for law enforcement and security agencies in Australia who have lawfully been given right to use it, under strict protocol. Further information is accessible via the link, which outlines the type of information and data they are required to collect. There is a call for concern here, regarding the use of our personal data and privacy online.
I tried to see if I could limit my ‘digital footprint’ (see privacy online) on the web, by refraining from all things technology for a few days. I didn’t like the idea of my personal information being advocated online. What was supposed to last a few days, finished in a day. It was incredibly difficult because my life revolved around it. From socialising, communicating to searching almost everything on the web.
TRACK ME IF YOU CAN
Aton Edwards goes on a mission to go off the radar in what seems to be changing his identity to hide aware from the surveillance society. It seems as though whilst technology is beneficial, we need to find ways to minimise our digital footprint. Having no control over our data poses a risk to our privacy and possibly our safety if it lands in the wrong hands.
