Privacy and Internet Policy, Essay Example

Establishing an effective privacy and Internet policy requires a strategic approach to understanding the challenges and limitations of these requirements. It is evident that with modern technology, there is an increased ability to intercept confidential information and to use it to one’s advantage in a negative manner. Therefore, it becomes necessary to identify criteria that will ensure that this information is protected at all costs as best as possible. Since the Internet as a whole is extremely difficult to manage in terms of protecting personal and confidential information. This is a necessary step so that Internet users experience a feeling of safety and security when sharing their information across this channel. The following discussion will address the requirements and trends in privacy and Internet policy, and will consider the issues and challenges that individuals face from a privacy perspective when using the Internet for personal or professional reasons.

It is very important to consider the requirements involved in protecting the rights of all people, and that they are entitled to express themselves and share information on an individual basis, and to develop effective measures to enhance the protection of personal information, regardless of the source. Therefore, a number of laws and regulations have been established in the United States that attempt to protect this information from unnecessary risk or harm, such as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which “makes it unlawful under certain circumstances for someone to read or disclose the contents of an electronic communication” (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 2010). In this context, it is important for individuals and organizations to take the steps that are necessary to protect information from being shared unlawfully under specific circumstances, and to also demonstrate that despite the freedom that Americans possess to speak in their own way, they must also adhere to the same rights of others, and to work collaboratively to protect information from being tampered with as best as possible (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 2010).

Since there are so many levels of privacy and Internet policy, it is necessary to consider how these policies influence and impact organizational needs in different ways. To be specific, when organizations seek information from consumers to develop products and services that will be applicable to their needs, but this is a difficult concept to manage, as noted in the following: “the ease of collecting consumer data has resulted in fraud, violations of consumer privacy, and identity theft. As a result, consumers are increasingly wary of providing personal information, and more laws are being passed to protect their rights” (Verio, 2010). Therefore, by developing a privacy and Internet policy that protects this information at all costs, it is possible to strike a balance between the concerns that are involved in supporting organizational objectives, while also considering how to protect information from being stolen or duplicated (Verio, 2010). This is not a unique problem, but it nonetheless requires a clear sense of direction and focus so that navigating the Internet is a safe practice (Verio, 2010).

Perhaps the most important aspect of privacy and Internet policy is to ensure that customers or other users of different websites and systems are not uncomfortable with the level of information that they are required to share, and that this information is protected from thieves and other hackers at maximum levels. Since privacy and Internet policies often posses general similarities but must cater to specific needs, these policies must create opportunities to ensure that customers and other users are provided with the best possible protection from invasion of their privacy and personal information.

Finally, it is essential for those using the Internet to be provided with a series of opportunities that will ensure that their use of the Internet and subsequent information sharing is supported by organizations that have their best interests in mind, and that privacy policies are made public and are explicitly detailed in favor of supporting consumer rights and protections (American Express). This will ensure that consumers will experience a level of comfort in sharing this information, and will know that the law is on their side when providing personal data that is transmitted through a website (American Express). The public disclosure of these policies and procedures also demonstrates an effective approach to supporting the rights and protections of all citizens, and as the Internet platform continues to evolve, there are even greater alternatives, such as encryption of data, that are available that will ensure that users will experience a sense of comfort in knowing that their data is not be shared unlawfully with others (American Express). The protection of personal information that is shared across the Internet must be a key priority of today’s organizations, and must demonstrate that their privacy policies are a key component of doing business in today’s society, where the Internet is a key priority and focus of today’s modern organization in terms of providing service and doing business as a whole.

References

American Express (2010). Internet privacy statement. Retrieved July 11, 2010,  from https://www212.americanexpress.com/dsmlive/dsm/dom/us/en/privacystatement/internetprivacystatement.do?vgnextoid=f25533fadb4ca110VgnVCM100000defaad94RCRD&vgnextchannel=9823f30b6b1ca110VgnVCM100000defaad94RCRD&

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (2010). Fact sheet 18: online privacy: using the  Internet safely. Retrieved July 11, 2010, from http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs18-cyb.htm#PART_ONE

Verio (2010). Privacy policies and Internet advertising law. Retrieved July 11, 2010, from http://www.verio.com/resource-center/business-guides/internet-law/