Internet Data Collection

Almost everything we do now days leaves an electronic trail. We provide a large amount of data whether we are aware of it or not. Every time you perform an internet search it’s tracked. Not all web surfers are aware that their online searches are being recorded and tracked.

From a utilitarian theory perspective, one would argue that collecting data from internet searches isn’t hurting anyone. If someone is conducting a search using a free search engine, the search engine should have the right to collect the data. If a person doesn’t have anything to hide, why should they mind if data is being collected on them? However, this theory has blurry lines. What if the information collected gets in the wrong hands – or hackers get it. Identity theft is a huge issue today. Our social security numbers, credit card numbers, address, birthdates, and other personal information are entered into so many places online. If there is a breach of security – our information can easily get into the wrong hands and end up causing financial and other damage.

From a universal perspective, one could argue about where the line starts and stops for ethical data collection. What if everyone and everything we did collected data? What if every time you made an unhealthy decision about food, the data was collected and then sent to insurance companies? Can you imagine how rates would rise if they knew consumer’s every move when it came to diet, exercise, or unhealthy lifestyle decisions?

From a relativist point of view, companies that are collecting data think its ok and right in their own mind. They feel that collecting this information is okay because it is actually helping companies market to consumers by being able to predict their future behaviors and buying. Furthermore, there are no clear online privacy rules that exist in the United States.

Sources: Gross, G. (2012, December 8). We're all clueless about privacy, FTC is told at hearing. PC World. http://www.pcworld.com/article/2018961/were-all-clueless-about-privacy-ftc-is-told-at-hearing.html?tk=rel_news