As quick as it to acquire information within seconds due to the convenience of the internet, many people have to ask: does this infringe on my privacy? In today’s global market, consumers want to know that they still have personal privacy, especially when it comes to social media sites, credit card online statements and online banking which all process bits and pieces of their personal information. Recently, the federal government introduces a bill that would offer an ‘opt-in, opt-out’ policy, allowing the consumers themselves to control who has their personal information and who does not.
A Bill Addressing Personal Privacy
Many consumers feel ‘duped’ when it comes to their right of privacy on the internet. Let’s face it: Google displays information about your business, social media giants like Facebook changes their privacy settings and policies frequently and the high risk of identity theft is on the rise more than ever before. Luckily, the Commercial Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 2011 will make websites like Facebook to incorporate a clear cut language to their customers about how they collect their data. In some situations, the websites will have to have an “opt-in” feature, which can’t be activated unless the user permits it with the click of a button. The “opt-in” button will be for customers who are going to send personal information, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers. In a nutshell, the Commercial Privacy Bill of Rights Act will allow consumers to have more control over their privacy, ultimately leading to effective practices of reputation management.
Changes for Many
Many big companies are supporting the bill, such as Microsoft, eBay and Intel. While the bill will change the way some websites do business – especially the ones that depend on your personal information like Facebook – it won’t change other things, such as telemarketing. The Commercial Privacy Bill of Rights Act offers a move in the right direction for online reputation management, allowing a way for individuals to better manage their brand through a more thorough control of online privacy.