Statistics show that over 50% of the world population have access to the Internet. It is no secret that the Internet has made things easy for many people. For instance, you can shop for anything that you want while sitting in the comfort of your own house and the product delivered to your doorstep. You can also communicate with your friends across the globe in real time. However, the benefits that the internet has brought comes at a cost and that is a loss of privacy. Over the past few years, there has been growing concern over the privacy of internet users. Since the threat is still new, most policymakers and internet developers are struggling to find the best way to enhance the privacy of online users. In this article, we are going to discuss the facts of digital privacy.


1. Police can access your records without a warrant


The police can access your records when conducting investigations. If they are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the information that they will obtain from you will help in the investigation process, then they can obtain your personal information including your phone records and content of your emails.


2. Many tech companies sell data from their users


Have you been wondering why certain ads show up when browsing online? If yes then it is because a certain tech company has sold your data. For instance, when you sign up for Yahoo or Google mail, your settings are automatically set to allow them to show you ads based on what you search. In most cases, tech companies that have crucial data about their clients usually sell to eCommerce companies to help boost their sales. Therefore, if you have been searching for a new car, don’t be surprised to see car company ads showing up when you are browsing. The good news is that major tech companies such as Facebook, Google, and Yahoo allow you to change your privacy settings.


3. The Government can track your location via your phone GPS


Over the past few years, there has been a growing debate as to whether the government through the law enforcement agencies should obtain a warrant from the court before obtaining information about your location. In fact, some states such as Maine and Colorado have already passed a law requiring law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before being allowed to access data about your location. However, in most cases, the government usually track your location when conducting investigations.


4. It is easier to track stored data than communication


It is actually easier for the government to track stored information than communication. For the case of communication, the government has to obtain a warrant in order to access the data needed. This makes it a bit difficult for them. However, little protection is given to stored data. All that the government needs to do is obtain a court order.


5. Your microphone and camera can be turned on without your knowledge


Your microphone or computer camera can easily be turned on by people you don’t even know including the government. The court has been reluctant to protect victims of webcam hacking making them vulnerable. However, the law does not allow interception of both wire and electronic communication without the consent of the involved parties.


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