Privacy

Much is being said about privacy these days.  NSA is building a huge data center not far from here.  Snowden went public with information that was really released years ago, but did not get much play with the public or press.  His comments take on significance because of the recent scandals in Obama's administration. ( Original article written in 2013.)

Movies and television shows  depict government with the ability to easily scarf up information about anyone anywhere.  Viewers feel safer thinking of it as fiction, only approaching, but not quite touching reality.  Congressional hearings are going over the actual scope of these actions and legal restrictions.

It is amazing seeing what technology knows about you, me and everyone.  At Allstate I could put in a name, address, and phone number to get an abbreviated credit score, claims history, current and past insurance carriers, drivers in the household and their driving record and VIN numbers. 

When I wanted to transfer a prescription and sign up for a discount program with the pharmacy,  the software wanted to verify that I was the right person for the medications.  So up popped several multiple choice questions.  One listed 3 people & I had to identify one that belonged to my family - two were fake, but one was my daughter-in-law.   Two. Listed cars I had owned.  Two were fake, and one was a car I sold a year before in another state.   Obviously this information did not have any relationship to my prescription, but to a giant database.  If you really want to see who knows about you, pull a credit report. 

I worked with a guy who refused to have an electronic toll gizmo on his car.  He didn't want anyone to know where or when he went places.  But  using a debit card, rewards cards, insurance, etc., creates an electronic record.  Whether the government really cares about me is another matter.  I am a very boring 65 year old grandmother. I don't have money, position, power or a platform to interest anyone.  The concern is that people who can make a difference, who may be capable of representing public concerns of millions, could be impacted by imprudent use of private information.  What limitations will restrict the ability of future leaders, or their aides, to abuse data to manipulate future people, economies, etc.  Are we paranoid enough to protect our nation from the worst of us and trusting enough to maintain our liberty?

I am not going through a divorce, don't have children, siblings, parents dealing with mental problems or drugs or embarrassing situations.  American culture appears to be schizophrenic. We are raised to say "None of your business".  Cities advertise "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas".  Companies advertise the option to order their products online; so no one has to see you standing in a checkout line with "Depends". Folks share their life story on Facebook, then  share Facebook instructions to select the right options to avoid sharing information with strangers.  Why?  Because it is none of their business.