# Privacy Footprint

Do we have a choice in how much the internet knows about us? The unfortunate reality is that we don’t. While applications like Facebook aren’t secretly recording our conversations, complex algorithms are working overtime to exploit and use every piece of data that they can. With society increasingly becoming more dependent on technology, as seen in the workplace and educational institutions, it has become incredibly more difficult to cover one’s digital footprint. In Rich Haridy’s article [“Facebook isn’t secretly listening to your conversations, but the truth is much more disturbing”](https://newatlas.com/computers/facebook-not-secretly-listening-conversations/), he dives into how information is taken from users without them even really knowing. During a study conducted by Elleen Pan, a Northeastern University PhD student, it was discovered that while smartphone microphones were not being activated to collect data, apps were taking screenshots and then accordingly sending those screenshots to third parties. This demonstrates the tracking abilities of phones and other digital devices. When this occurs, it then enables third party advertisers to target users with more accurate advertisements. These advertisements can be so fitting for an individual that it makes them believe their phone was listening in on them.


When it comes to privacy concerns over data mining and tracking, there is some role that individuals can play in protecting themselves. In Chapter 11 of Brian Kernighan’s “Data and Information”, he explores how participation in social networks can give away more information than you think. While you might feel in control over what you “like” and interact with on social media, it can tell other users potential characteristics of your gender, background, sexual orientation, and even political views. On top of how we interact on social media sites, there is also how people choose to interact with us that needs to be considered in terms of privacy. Being tagged in a post is just one example of how you could be tied to another individual and their interests that could help data miners piece together your profile more. Although outside applications having access to private data can be concerning, there is also the fact that anybody could search up information on an individual without their consent. This issue regarding privacy spans farther than advertisers knowing too much about you but extends to how much readily available information is available about you whether you like it or not. The video below goes into how you can try and protect your privacy online.

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To look into my own online identity, I searched up my name to which I got really no connections to myself. I then decided to type in my name and my hometown. This is where I began to see results. Below you can see articles written about my activity in high school clubs along with a LinkedIn profile that does not belong to me.


While exploring the website [“What every browser knows about you”](https://webkay.robinlinus.com/), I was able to see firsthand the type of information that is given to my browsers. I was shocked to uncover just how much information browsers had access to. The picture below shows that browsers can see what computer I am using, and even that it is charging.


While I chose to partake in social media, while cyber stalking myself I was able to find more information about me than I would personally like. This has taught me to be more mindful about what I share online. However, it also showed me that there is still a lot of information that is out there about me that I have no control over. Looking into protective software and being aware of which websites I visit are ways that I can try and protect my online privacy.