You may have noticed that I am “somewhat” concerned about erosion of our privacy. Here is another example, reported by ThinkProgress.org. Mind you, I am not picking on the GOP here; I am sure that the Dems are just as bad in other places and times. I just want you to be aware that it is a) all too easy to unintentionally give away personal information about your family and you, and b) there are organizations out there, often quite respected ones, which will readily collect that information.
The Minnesota GOP’s Stealth Attack On Privacy describes a CD that you put into your computer. It contains a survey which collects not only your answers but also your identity. Worse, the privacy policy contains no guarantees whatsoever about how that information will be used or protected.
This week the Minnesota Republican Party is distributing a new CD about a proposed state marriage amendment. Along with flashy graphics, the CD asks people their views on controversial issues such as abortion, gun control, illegal immigration, and so on.
The problem – the CD sends your answers back to headquarters, filed by name, address, and political views. No mention of that in the terms of use. No privacy policy at all. The story concludes: “So if you run the CD in your personal computer, by the end of it, the Minnesota GOP will not only know what you think on particular issues, but also who you are.â€
Be conscious of what data you send out into the world, especially through your computer. You have blinds or curtains on your windows for a reason. When you write a letter or receive your paycheck, it is in a sealed envelope for a reason. Remember that those same reasons apply in the electronic world as well as in the physical world.
