2 Comments

  1. Jasper
    17.04.2023 @ 18:02

    It is concerning to hear about the data policies of Facebook, but they pale in comparison to those of your internet provider. With the recent passing of a law allowing telecommunication companies like Comcast and Verizon to monetize user data, similar to how social media sites operate, your internet provider may know much more about you than any specific website. This is especially true in rural areas where studies show that only 13% of American consumers have access to more than one telecommunication service. The lack of choice means that not only are you forced to use a specific internet provider, but you also have to accept any data-related terms associated with it. It is important to be aware of what your provider knows about you and why you should care. They keep detailed logs of your online activity, including visited pages, time spent on websites, and even certain emails. If you use an unencrypted network (i.e. one that uses HTTP instead of HTTPS), your provider can also log certain usernames, passwords, and more. Physical locations youve visited, apps youve used, and files youve downloaded are also typically logged by your provider. Combine this with the repeal of net neutrality and certain privacy rules, and you have telecommunication providers who not only invasively log and collect your data, but also actively try to mine and sell it for profit. It is important to note that many internet providers have started using the Facebook scandal to their advantage, applying the same invasive data practices while publicly denouncing Zuckerberg. These telecommunication companies, who have been lobbying Congress for greater freedom for years, may try to use this recent privacy fiasco to position themselves as supporters of greater regulation for specific sites and services (but not for the telecommunication industry itself). With the FCC systematically rolling back new privacy regulations, Comcast, AT&T, and other internet providers have even more opportunities to collect, track, and profit from your privacy while sites like Facebook and Google take the blame.

  2. Leonel
    17.04.2023 @ 18:02

    It is concerning to hear about the data policies of Facebook, but they pale in comparison to those of your internet provider. With the recent passing of a law allowing telecommunication companies like Comcast and Verizon to monetize user data, similar to how social media sites operate, your internet provider may know much more about you than any specific website. This is especially true in rural areas where studies show that only 13% of American consumers have access to more than one telecommunication service. The lack of choice means that not only are you forced to use a specific internet provider, but you also have to accept any data-related terms associated with it. It is important to be aware of what your provider knows about you and why you should care. They keep detailed logs of your online activity, including visited pages, time spent on websites, and even certain emails. If you use an unencrypted network (i.e. one that uses HTTP instead of HTTPS), your provider can also log certain usernames, passwords, and more. Physical locations youve visited, apps youve used, and files youve downloaded are also typically logged by your provider. Combine this with the repeal of net neutrality and certain privacy rules, and you have telecommunication providers who not only invasively log and collect your data, but also actively try to mine and sell it for profit. It is important to note that many internet providers have started using the Facebook scandal to their advantage, applying the same invasive data practices while publicly denouncing Zuckerberg. These telecommunication companies, who have been lobbying Congress for greater freedom for years, may try to use this recent privacy fiasco to position themselves as supporters of greater regulation for specific sites and services (but not for the telecommunication industry itself). With the FCC systematically rolling back new privacy regulations, Comcast, AT&T, and other internet providers have even more opportunities to collect, track, and profit from your privacy while sites like Facebook and Google take the blame.