Online Privacy, is there such a thing?

The Internet has brought the world closer together. Now we can feel closer to our friends and relatives that are half way across the world. With Facebook statuses telling us what they're doing, check-ins telling us exactly where they are, Instagram pictures showing us what they're eating and Twitter telling us what they're thinking, the only thing that seems to be missing is an app to taste the food in the picture. In a negative aspect, this information could be shared with the wrong type of people, such as hackers, identity thieves, stalkers, kidnappers and robbers.

Social Media and Privacy

There have been instances that people have lost their jobs, gotten robbed and even lose their Olympic medal because of  online sharing, but were all of these instances preventable? YES they were . A lot of people complain about privacy on the internet (more specifically social media) but never really stop and think that the main source of their information online is coming from none other than themselves. You are in control of certain information that goes online. If you are going to share online, you can do so in a safer way. Facebook has the option to make statuses, albums, etc.. either private or public and your Instagram and Twitter account can be set to private, meaning that anyone who wants to "follow" you must send a request for your approval. Of course there is still the possibility of hackers and thieves getting their hands (or eyes) on your information, but that possibility decreases with stricter privacy setting options.

I personally believe that if you're engaging in online activities, especially social media sites, you should act as if all the information you provide online is there for the world to see. But is there such a thing as social media without sharing? isn't that the whole point of social media? to be more connected with friends and family? There would be no social media if it wasn't for sharing private information, that's the whole point, so does that mean that you can't be actively using a social media site and have privacy at the same time? no I think it means you should be more careful about what you do publish online. If you've put it online, it will be online forever, published and written in stone, even if you delete it, its perpetually in cyberworld. Here are some tips on being active online while protecting your online reputation and privacy  from Princeton University:

1	Remember, what you post online becomes public information—it is no longer under your control.
2	Be strategic about what you share with the world—consider the long term.
3	Think before you post—today’s rant, practical joke, or flame may come back to haunt you.
4	Think before you pose—your private video, photo or Snapchat may go public.
5	Regularly review your contacts, circles, friends and followers—they may not be your BFFs.
6	Understand your privacy settings and terms of service—service providers often change them.
7	Monitor your name online—Google yourself and set alerts to avoid surprises.
8	Protect your online reputation and create your personal brand—your future will thank you.

Our government and online privacy

In 2012, the government attempted to regulate online privacy issues. Lawmakers and global stakeholders all attempted to place policies regulating the Internet .
In January of 2012, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA), were presented to congress and everyone seemed to freak out. The bills were created to regulate copyright infringement online, but the bill was so broad, it would've gave the government too much control on internet censoring. States on the other hand are trying to do what the government couldn't do.
Ibelieve that there should be some sort of government or state intervention when it comes to online privacy, because the fourth amendment does not apply to the virtual world. Even the government doesn't seem to be giving us enough privacy online. In the non-virtual world, the government does not have the right to search or seize papers from your house without a warrant, but they are able and allowed to read any information you've stored in the Internet "cloud".

The Internet is getting more and more complicated by the second and privacy issues are just going to get as complicated. Hopefully, the government could add online privacy to our fourth amendment rights.

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." Fourth Amendment, U.S. Constitution 

 Articles to tickle your brain

 "Managing Your Online Reputation: Great 8." (2013)  Web. 3 Nov. 2013. <http://www.princeton.edu/dataprivacy/top-10-privacy-tips/>.

Sullivan, Bob. "Online Privacy fears are real ." NBC News . (2013) Web. 3 Nov. 2013. <http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3078835/#.UnXZIhDjWHg> 

Miyazaki, A. (2013). “Is ‘Online Privacy’ the Ultimate Oxymoron?” E-Marketing for Sensible Folk <http://www.sensibleemarketing.com/2013/10/is-online-privacy-ultimate-oxymoron.html> 

Magid, Larry . "What Are SOPA and PIPA And Why All The Fuss?." Forbes . 18 01 2012  Web. 3 Nov. 2013. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/larrymagid/2012/01/18/what-are-sopa-and-pipa-and-why-all-the-fuss/>

Walton, Zach . "Can States Do A Better Job Of Protecting Online Privacy?." WebProNews. 07 03 2013 Web. 3 Nov. 2013. <http://www.webpronews.com/can-states-do-a-better-job-of-protecting-online-privacy-2013-03>.