Member-only story
You have a right to share your data
Our right to privacy preserves our ability to pursue happiness. We own our personal choices, and should be left alone so long as those choices don’t impact other people. We also get to share our information, on our terms. We might share our measurements with the local tailor to get perfectly fitting clothing. Or, we may sell or trade our digital information, in exchange for access to websites and other online services.
We do this every day, when we utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, YouTube, Bing, and any website with analytics software installed. It is our choice when the terms of service are transparent and understandable. Legislators around the world have already implemented requirements for websites to follow, including GDPR and CCPA compliance.
Generally, website owners that operate in the EU and California must post cookie and tracking opt-in notifications on their websites. This standard should already be enough to satisfy the transparency requirement of personal choice when users must decide whether to opt in to new services. But there are groups that advocate for more government oversight in data usage, regardless of the level of transparency. This is harmful.
You Own Your Data
You should be able to keep your personal information private from other individuals, governments, and corporations. As an adult, you should also be free to make your own decisions. This liberty includes choosing to share personal data in exchange for access to technology platforms and services, so long as technology providers are transparent about their collection and use of that data, and especially when that data is anonymized.
Data Sharing and a Better User Experience
When you go to your neighborhood deli and order “the usual,” you have an expectation that the clerk knows your preferences. You don’t have to provide detailed instructions about the food that you want. Instead, you have peace of mind and an easier ordering process. The…
