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Law in the Internet Society
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Big Brother Is Still Watching-- By ChevaunSamuels - 11 Oct 2019 Most people today, whether it is big or small, rely on the help of technology. Commonly, these individuals cannot go through their day without the use of technological innovations such as computers, internet connection, printers, applications, and file storage. As technology continues to improve and our society modernizes, it has become easier and easier to access these technological innovations. In the early 2000s, many households only had access to one computer, and individuals within the home could not use the telephone when they were connected to the internet. In today’s society, kids as young as 5 have access to the world through their handheld devices. Despite the burning sensation from cellphones and software malfunctions from laptops, it would be an extraneous task to try to remove the technology from these individuals. In January 2019, Apple disabled its Group FaceTime? feature in iPhones after multiple reports that users could initiate a FaceTime? call and begin listening in on a recipient’s audio without them picking up the call or knowing they were being monitored. The bug occurred after a user-initiated a FaceTime? video call with another iPhone or device running iOS and added themselves to the call while it was dialing. This created a conference call that allowed the user to eavesdrop on the audio transmitted by the recipient. This security lapse is especially significant because, like other software companies, Apple markets itself as a consumer tech company dedicated to privacy and security. While many of the apps we have on our phones can be beneficial to us, we are sacrificing a lot of our privacy by using these apps. Privacy is slowly diminishing and as kids are growing up in modern society, they will have no concept of privacy. They will also not have the ability to understand that nothing digital is ever forgotten or destroyed. After the NSA leaks, Americans were divided about the impact of the leaks immediately following Snowden’s disclosures, but according to a Pew Research Center survey, about half of Americans (49%) said the release of the classified information served the public interest, while 44% said it harmed the public interest. At the same time, 54% of the public said the government should pursue a criminal case against the person responsible for the leaks, a view more commonly held among Republicans and Democrats (59% each) than independents (48%). The share of Americans who disapproved of the government’s collection of telephone and internet data as part of anti-terrorism efforts increased from 47% in the days after the initial disclosure to 53% the following January. Fast forward to today, many people are aware of the lack of privacy that they have when it comes to their technology. It was very prevalent based on user reaction to the Apple FaceTime? bug. Despite this revelation and many others like it, people are still using the same apps that are lacking true privacy. These individuals are willingly accepting privacy policies that are designed to give users ultimatums. As much as we can blame users for the usage of these apps and other technology that put them at risk, the blame is not solely on them. An analyst described that when a user of apps like WhatsApp? , Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram…etc., grants access to their camera and microphone, the app could do the following: access both the front and back camera; record you at any time the app is in the foreground; take pictures and videos without telling you; and, upload the pictures and videos without telling you. App producers should find ways to put users’ rights first, so their information is not put in jeopardy. Although there are privacy regulations in place, there needs to be better regulations to protect users. As well as details of your device such as the model, name and phone number these trackers can you’re your email address, the IP address that is allocated to your internet connection and even your precise location. Everything from music streaming and weather apps, through to news and storage apps are doing it. A good first step for counteracting these issues is to always make sure to cover your webcam with tape and cover your phone camera when possible. Apps like LinkedIn? does not need camera access. Apps like Twitter does not require microphone access. Before you download an app, check the reviews and search for any negative information about it to prevent yourself from future harm. You never know who’s watching, or what’s happening in the background on your device. 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