I have been watching the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica developments with interest. At he heart of this is the issue of data and who owns it, what is done with it and what does it all mean.
For years people have clicked ‘I agree’ to terms of use without ever reading them and under the illusion we are accessing a free service. But social networks are big business and it is built on trading people’s data and information.
How many people have ever read those terms and conditions in detail?
It was only a matter of time before those using social media became aware of what it costs them. We all give so much information away when we use social media. It may leave us vulnerable to criminal activity or share too much about events in our lives. I would urge people to look at the CIFAS video ‘data to go’ which shows this in some detail.
There are some data exchanges that are beneficial. They may help us with a search for information or some new product or support an initiative that improves life by helping find a medical breakthrough.
What makes the difference is whether or not the data is used for the good of people and society. It will be interesting to see how this develops and whether we start to value our data and use it as a force for good.
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