# Privacy Footprint

Picture this: a digital realm where every word you type is kept and stored somewhere online. I often find myself pondering the security of my information and the extent that is exposed on the internet. As Kernighan points out, there are myriad of ways which our information is found. Take searching, our internet searches can lead to companies tracking them and tailoring specific ads to us. Another example is social media, where users willingly share substantial amounts of personal information for public consumption (2017). Many social media platforms also feature geolocation services, amplifying the extent of tracking. Public records pose another vulnerability, especially with the rise of digitalization and cloud storage, making them accessible from anywhere at any time, unlike the past when physical copies were essential. Considering these diverse avenues through which our data can be disseminated, there could be a lot to examine about what facets of our lives are laid out in the internet.

Delving deeper into the way social media monitors our data, there was a speculation circulating that Facebook eavesdropped on our conversations through our phone microphones. This issue was investigated by a Northeastern student, revealing that while no audio recordings were disclosed, apps were found to be autonomously capturing screenshots and, in certain instances, screen recording, then transmitting this information to third parties (Haridy, 2019).

When I did a quick google search of my name, thankfully none of my pictures came up. However, this does lead me to wonder whether the people who had their profiles show up approved of their images popping up online. In addition, when searched my name on truepeoplesearch.com, I found my previous address and the house I lived in prior to that. This information is threatening as people could find where I live and information about my family. I hope no other information are revealed about me, and I am now more cautious of my privacy online and in general.