What Happened to Consumer Privacy?

Lately it has been all over the news what many people are dreading to hear: consumer privacy isn't what it used to be. In a recent article published by TheHill.com depicts how the U.S. Senate has voted to eliminate previously instated consumer privacy laws will affect individuals all around the country.

Back in October of 2016, designated rules had been passed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make it so that large cellphone companies such as Verizon or Sprint had to ask a customer’s permission before selling his or her data to third parties or to other advertisers. Because this has now been overturned, large companies can collect any and perhaps all your information and sell it to anyone they would like. “They would classify certain consumer data as “sensitive” — like browsing history, app usage and financial and medical information — and require service providers to ask permission before using it for advertising.” (TheHill.com) Examples of data companies will be able to take include tracking precise geographic locations, children’s information’s, app usage history, and more.

Now you might be thinking, “why do I care if my phone provider takes this new data information?” For starters, do you really want companies knowing even more? I’m not sure about you but I am definitely not a fan of targeted advertisements that appear on Facebook, whether it is specific ads geared towards my Brazilian nationality, or retargeted ads from products I browse on Amazon. With this new info that companies collect from you, they will have the ability to sell it to nearly whoever they want. Aren’t you excited to receive sketchy ads from even sketchier random third party companies that you may not have ever heard from?

The issue of consumer privacy runs deeper than the FCC’s rules a few months back. Companies have often struggled in the past with knowing how much data to collect/share. As both a marketer and consumer, I firmly believe there is a fine line between convenient and creepy when it comes to consumer privacy. Convenient in the sense that you are shown more ads related to things you might want to buy, but also creepy because of that same exact reason. Though the data collected can be useful for companies to know, sensitive information shared run the risk of getting into the hands of the wrong people. It’s mind boggling when you stop and think about how much information you share on social media. It is even more perplexing how much a company like Facebook knows about you. It starts simple: you enter your name, birthday, email… before you know it you’re liking pages of favorite sports teams or artists to receive updates, adding friends, and photos to your personal page. Nowadays it is rare to meet someone without a smartphone, nonetheless a millennial without one. Because our lives are significantly online, we consumers often forget that anything and everything shared on the internet stays there.

Perhaps you’re like me and do not want companies like Verizon collecting your data. The way to get around this is by actively opting out from service providers selling the data. This may seem like it is easier said than done. Some companies may not even notify you when they begin collecting your information. As Senator Bill Nelson of Florida stated: “Passing [the resolution] will take consumers out of this driver's seat and place the collection and use of their information behind a veil of secrecy”.

Check out the article written by The Hill: http://thehill.com/policy/technology/326145-house-votes-to-send-bill-undoing-obama-internet-privacy-rule-to-trumps-desk