Walls of privacy continue to recede
The double-edged sword of the digital revolution continues to slash away at privacy, though many would argue the fight is truly being carried out in the name of transparency and ethics. Just remember, anything you say or do no matter where you say or do it can and will be used against you in a court of law, and life.
Wiretap dancing, a vicious pirouette;
IT-Lex Technology Law recently reported that wiretapping of email accounts has been somewhat scrutinized by privacy advocates and individuals in the legal sector alike in recent years, especially when the action is taken by the provider of the communications platforms. Google has likely been at the center of the controversy for its ad-driving practices that involve digital wiretapping.
Essentially, the source explained, Google uses tools that can be used similarly to wiretaps, scanning emails to discover phrases or words that indicate the sender, or recipient, would be interested in a certain product. The advertisements then produced on the user’s page will be especially customized, making some individuals fear Big Brother knows where they like to shop.
According to the news provider, a class action lawsuit was filed against Google under the premise that the giant company violated the Wiretap Act. What’s more, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh rejected the defendant’s call for dismissal, stating that its actions could very well be opposed to privacy protective regulations in place.
This ruling doesn’t mean Google needs to cease its actions, and the company is not expected to make concessions any time soon.
Google’s lawyers and executives do not seem pleased, as Judge Koh broke down each sentence of the request for dismissal and explained how the firm’s practices are unclear and potentially in violation of federal law. IT-Lex Technology Law added that Google will likely issue an interlocutory appeal on the initial ruling.
Much is yet to be determined, though the facts remain clear: Your digital communications are being watched and a district judge believes it might be against federal law.
Do you tango?
From a business perspective, it is clear that Google has some obvious and other hidden tactics when it comes to scanning and tapping emails. Basically every search engine giant does the same thing to drive revenues through marketers who purchase ad space on their websites. However, the intricacies of this battle certainly have corporate and legal implications.
Enterprises need to account for these practices when developing communications strategies, IT and data security protocols and, perhaps most of all, information management frameworks.
Sources:
https://it-lex.org/judge-koh-allows-gmail-wiretapping-case-allowed-to-proceed/#!
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