What Can We Do?
From the information provided thus far it is clear the government watches citizens, perhaps in ways many of us had not imagined. They use various methods to monitor, gather, and use our personal data; and often times we are guilty of providing them information unknowingly. But the big question is what can you do to protect our privacy from the government and other entities intruding on it? But the big question is what can you do to protect our privacy from the government and other entities intruding on it?
Guarding your information can get really difficult and complicated to understand if you do not have strong technical computer skills. To make life easier, listed below are valuable tips that range from easy to slightly more difficult. Choose tips that work best for you. Let’s first start with social media. The Electronic Frontier Foundation suggests:
- ALWAYS read privacy policies, specifically as it relates to data and change any of the features on the site you have access to immediately
- Avoid using your real name if possible (not all sites allow this)
- Provide only the necessary information to build account
- Create strong passwords. Diceware.com is a word system that can help you create strong passwords
- Password retrieval questions are put in place to help when we forget our password. Think twice about the answers you provide because you are sharing information that helps identify you. For example: What city were you born in? What is your Mother’s maiden name? Try using false answers (which of course you can remember) that will not aid in identifying who you are
- Keep all passwords in a safe place by using a password manager
- Block third party cookies in your settings and consider using add on protection features such as Do Not Track Me
- Turn off tagging on sites such as Facebook, it is used as a way to track and gain information about you which is called Biometrics
- Be cautious of who you add as a friend and who you follow on social media sites
Many people assume you have to be doing something wrong in order for the government to surveil you, but this isn’t true. Here are a few more other tips the Electronic Frontier Foundation suggests and ways to protect your privacy:
- Encrypt as much information as possible. Encryption scrabbles content so it cannot be decoded.
- Use OTR Messaging which gives instant messaging clients encryption capabilities
- Try HTTP’s Everywhere (a browser add-on that encrypts websites you’ve visited)
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when you are on a network you don’t trust
- Try TOR, a program that makes your online visits anonymous
- Turn on two-factor authentication; several popular sites have this option. Two factor authentication sends you a confirmation number once you type in your password to verify you are who you say you are
- Be cautious of attachments. Do not click them unless you know they are safe
- Keep software updated and use anti-virus software
- Keep really personal information extra secure! Do not put everything on the web, and if possible encrypt your information where you can
These tips are just the start to keeping your information safe and secure, so be sure to continue researching how to protect yourself. Again, remember to not assume you have to be doing wrong in order for the government to surveil you; this isn’t true.
Now that we have discussed ways you can protect data/information, we need to briefly consider the future of surveillance. Biometrics is becoming more popular. For example, Facebook has photo tagging allows you to share which friends are in your pictures. This is essentially a form of facial recognition software. Newer model iPhone’s have fingerprint as an option to unlock your phone instead of using a password. Other issues to be aware of are video surveillance, location tracking services, and many others. All of these things may be scary to some, but it is important to be knowledgeable on the issues and current trends in technology.
If you are interested in being an advocate for protecting personal and private information, here is your challenge:
- Educate yourself: Read, watch the news, and pay attention to issues and trends
- Talk about it! Share information with others; many people are unaware of what’s happening or the extent to which it occurs
- Be an ally! Join forces with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and the Electronic Privacy Information Center, and many others groups who are organizing politically to make change
