Fordham University had a symposium the other day where they discussed Personal Privacy in the 21st Century. i.e. yesterday. They discussed how privacy issues didn’t used to occur. How people then could expect to have their personal information held safely. The advent of fast computers, massive data storage, AND the ability to utilize personal information expanded like never before
There’s always the strong balance between what’s best for society and what’s best for the individual. Yeah, I get that, however, its been used many times to the detriment of society. Take electronic medical records. They’re easy to get, sometimes shared with or between insurance companies. Companies have in the past actually refused certain insurance to individuals because of the pre-existing condition that the insurance company found out about.
Personal information can also be used for criminal means. This information is literally everywhere from mortgage brokers, your bank, your doctor (and dentist), phone company, etc……. Do you think they all take proper care of your information, and shred or destroy it when appropriate. If not, it becomes a target of criminal and other unwanted users. Someone could take your information and steal your identity in one of the worst case scenarios.
Always remember to be on the lookout for people who may call your phone number trying to even get your personal information to use for inappropriate means. If you do get unwanted calls from anyone, don’t answer it and do a lookup on a reverse phone directory.