Privacy and The Internet

Earlier this year, China's censorship over the internet and lead to Google's noble withdrawal from the emerging superpower. On one side, the Chinese Government wanted privacy and on the other, Google and the world want transparency! There are countless blog posts and articles claiming that social networking sites invade privacy. Many concerned netizens are raising questions about the vast amount of data Google has acquired. Wikileaks shook the world with its astounding revelations!

The hottest topic for online debates has been privacy and security on the internet. For instance, Google offers services from email, blogging, photo-sharing and social networking to shopping, news and even work related software.Facebook profiles are becoming more of auto-biographies! Sign Up, Add as Friend, and welcome to my life. As a user, there is no assurance that all the information I trust with these internet biggies will not be sold to a third party! However, every website offers privacy settings and its up to the users to ensure their security

As for graver issues, such as the Wikileaks episode, the internet is serving as a medium for common people to raise their voice against corrupt institutions. Legal measures can not control such exposures.This incident threatens the rich and the powerful because the internet is an autonomous entity which can not be bought over by money.

 In my opinion, the internet plays a crucial role in personal as well as global relations. The future of internet and the countless companies that comprise the it lies in trust.The Internet is built on trust. Hence yes, I must trust that my identity is secure with Google and Facebook.

Cheers.


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