Did you know, that over “79% of internet users around the world feel they have completely lost control over their personal data” (Mineo, Liz)? Unfortunately, this statistic might even sound low at this point, as users all over the world are constantly fearing the dangers of putting their personal information online. From filling out forms to online shopping, internet users are constantly having to fork over their personal information, and with hacking only getting more sophisticated, many users find themselves worried over it. So what happens now? Do companies need to up their cyber security? Does the public need to be more careful? Ultimately, yes, but thankfully, the U.S. government has been hard at work trying to create protections the internet so desperately needs.

“67% of internet users in the US are not aware of their country’s privacy and data protection rules” (Mineo, Liz). Fortunately, the US government has created and continues to update it’s laws in order to create a safer environment for internet users. In fact, some of these laws are as follows:

Federal Trade Commission Act: Regulates unfair or deceptive commercial practices.

Electronic Communications Privacy Act: Protects certain wire, oral, and electronic communications from unauthorized interception, access, use, and disclosure.

Computer Fraud & Abuse Act: makes unlawful certain computer-related activities involving the unauthorized access of a computer to obtain certain information, defraud or obtain anything of value, transmit harmful items, or traffic in computer passwords. The law has been in amended six times.

Financial Services Modernization Act: regulates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information collected or held by financial institutions and requires customer notices and a written information security program.

(“Internet Privacy Laws Revealed – How Your Personal Information Is Protected Online | Thomson Reuters”)

With this in mind, Americans are still feeling concerned and confused about the lack of control they feel when online. While our government may have laws in place to punish hackers, their needs to be more of an effort for preventative measures. The increase of cyber security is necessary, and while efforts have been made individually by companies, the more of a federal security premise there is, the more likely users will feel safe whilst handing over their personal information.

Questions:

1.) How do you feel giving your information to websites and companies?

2.) Has your data ever been hacked before?

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