Online Privacy and Sharing
The news about social networking has been all about Facebook allowing third-party applications to use personal data. Unfortunately, when anyone uses a free service there's got to be a catch right? Facebook and other free online services have never really kept it a secret that they use our data, but the privacy policies are something you probably have never read. Don't worry, you're not alone, most people just click on “agree” or ‘OK” and never read the terms.
I always tell my students in classes that anything you share online could potentially be seen by anyone. Security is never perfect, and when a service says in their policies that they will share data with partners, you have to know who those partners are and see where data about you is being sent.
It's hard to manage, so the best policy is one of having a “public” persona, one where you don't mind things being known about you, and having a private persona, where you share information selectively.
Private Communications
Face-to-face communications are still one of the best ways to share information privately, but we're so used to technology tools that we forget to apply our own rules for when and how to communicate. A phone call (unless your line is tapped) is pretty private, as is a postal mail letter. The USPS has investigators that investigate mail theft, and it's illegal to open someone else mail. It's illegal to stop mail from being delivered. So if mail arrives at your home, you need to return it to the USPS.
Now compare the policies of the USPS with email services or messaging services. There's a chance you may have sent an email to someone you didn't intend to, but it's rare for people to let you know they are the wrong person. Same for text messages and messaging services, so if you do hear back tell person thanks.
I'm not saying you should stop using these terrific free services, just keep in mind that your privacy may not be what you think it is unless you've read the privacy policies and know what data is being collected and how it's being used.
Let's take a look at some excerpts from the privacy and sharing policies of three popular services, Facebook, Google, and Instagram. I've included links to their full privacy terms.
Facebook's policies of sharing your information with applications are why privacy issues are in the news. The paragraph below from Facebook's sharing terms states that Facebook will allow applications that ask for permission to your content and information to obtain it with your permission, but that what happens with that information is between you and the application. Many users trusted Facebook.
“When you use an application, the application may ask for your permission to access your content and information as well as content and information that others have shared with you. We require applications to respect your privacy, and your agreement with that application will control how the application can use, store, and transfer that content and information.”
Google Privacy Policies
Google shares data with partners based on your browsing and may include more information if you use a Google account.
“We and our partners use various technologies to collect and store information when you visit a Google service, and this may include using cookies or similar technologies to identify your browser or device. We also use these technologies to collect and store information when you interact with services we offer to our partners, such as advertising services or Google features that may appear on other sites. Our Google Analytics product helps businesses and site owners analyze the traffic to their websites and apps. When used in conjunction with our advertising services, such as those using the DoubleClick cookie, Google Analytics information is linked, by the Google Analytics customer or by Google, using Google technology, with information about visits to multiple sites.
Information we collect when you are signed in to Google, in addition to information we obtain about you from partners, may be associated with your Google Account. When information is associated with your Google Account, we treat it as personal information. For more information about how you can access, manage or delete information that is associated with your Google Account, visit the Transparency and choice section of this policy.”
Instagram Sharing Policy
https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388
Instagram, owned by Facebook, has policies that share information with partners based on your use of Instagram and other partners.
“We may share User Content and your information (including but not limited to, information from cookies, log files, device identifiers, location data, and usage data) with businesses that are legally part of the same group of companies that Instagram is part of, or that become part of that group ("Affiliates"). Affiliates may use this information to help provide, understand, and improve the Service (including by providing analytics) and Affiliates' own services (including by providing you with better and more relevant experiences). But these Affiliates will honor the choices you make about who can see your photos.”
What to do?
If you don't want personal data shared, you have the option of choosing not to use the service, but with the current news about how much data is being collected and how it's being shared, we might see some policy changes. In the meantime, read the sites privacy policies and review your privacy settings, usually available under your account with a gear icon or drop-down arrow.
To my way of thinking
The best way to keep a secret is never to tell anyone. Once you share anything, you lose control over what the other person (or service) can do with your information. While privacy policies are designed to protect you to a certain extent, online services are businesses and offer free services to attract users and collect data. Remember, you aren't paying for things like Gmail, Facebook, or Instagram use, and their goal is to make money from advertisers who want to reach you.
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