ONE Friday in 2021, I entered a hotel in Exeter, UK, at 17:57:35. The following day, I drove for 9 minutes to a nearby hospital, where I stayed for three days. On my way back home, a journey that typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, it took me 1 hour and 40 minutes due to the presence of my newborn baby in the backseat.
These are not mere details from a personal journal but rather information that Google has gathered about my daughter’s birth solely based on my location history.
A glimpse into the data collected reveals that companies have access to a lot more information about us than we might think. For instance, Netflix remembers the lighthearted movies I watched, such as Gilmore Girls and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Instagram keeps track of my activities, such as “liking” a post about labor induction followed by a week-long absence from the platform.
But is this really a cause for concern? After all, we are well aware that our online activities are being monitored and that data is constantly being collected. Some may even find it comforting that Netflix and Instagram have an excellent understanding of their preferences for entertainment and fashion.
However, a series of investigations and lawsuits have shed light on a new reality in the world of online tracking. The extent to which companies gather data has become more covert and invasive than many of us had realized. Upon closer examination, I discovered that my personal data could have an impact on various aspects of my life, ranging from job opportunities and loan applications to access to healthcare. In essence, my everyday life may be shaped in ways I was completely unaware of. Reuben Binns, a researcher at the University of Oxford, summarizes the situation by stating, “The problem is massive, and new concerns are constantly emerging.”
Insights:
– The level of data collected on individuals goes beyond what many people realize, as evidenced by the detailed knowledge companies like Google have about personal events and experiences.
– While some individuals may not be concerned about the extent of data tracking, the invasiveness of the data collection practices can have far-reaching consequences on various aspects of their lives.
– Reuben Binns from the University of Oxford highlights the magnitude of the issue and emphasizes that new concerns continue to arise in the realm of data privacy.
