Podcast #2

Copyright in the Digital Era via Pod Bean

Online Privacy

With the rapid and constant advancement of technology, there is also a need for just as rapid changes in online privacy laws. This article written by Miguel Helft, details the Technology Coalition and their push for tighter security on the internet. The coalition is comprised of big name technology moguls such as AT&T, Google and Microsoft to name a few. The Digital Due Process coalition, as they have called themselves, is not as interested in blocking hackers or online theft, but rather protect from our own government.

Ultimately, the coalition wants people to feel comfortable uploading all of their important documents online. For this to happen they feel there need to be stricter laws to keep this information protected from law enforcement. As of now, online information may be obtained by courts with a subpoena. What the DDP wants is for the government to have to issue a warrant to be able to gain access to people’s online information.

In addition to making it more difficult to obtain online information for judicial reasons, the group says they will lobby to update the current Electronic Communications Privacy Act which was written before the internet was in use by the public. Mike Hintze, an associate general counsel at Microsoft, had this to say on the issue, “We don’t believe that the balance between privacy and law enforcement should be fundamentally turned on its head simply because people now choose to store documents online rather than in their homes.” The coalition is hopeful yet realistic, they expect to face resistance but know that the times have changes, and so should privacy laws.

I feel that in light of the topic of online privacy this article highlights a very important issue. How is the public expected to utilize new technology to the fullest if we do not feel safe doing so. It is a disheartening thought that what we put on the internet now has the potential to be used against us negatively in the future. With the little amount of effort it takes not for courts to be able to pull up your “private” online records, why would you even consider putting them online? This is the point Google, AT&T and other companies are making. They want people to feel comfortable using their services.

Despite all the advancements on digital security, it is important to remember that there is no such thing as online privacy. Just as it had been mentioned in class, there is most likely a way to find information if someone wants it bad enough, especially considering that we are the ones putting most of it online without even thinking twice. Should the government have access to our online information, I don’t think so; however I also don’t see that changing anytime soon.