Privacy on the Internet

Nowadays, almost everybody uses the internet, sharing files, pictures and messages. Alot of people have a profile on sites like Myspace.com of Facebook.com, where they share their personal information with the rest of the world. Also messaging/chat services like IRC, MSN or AIM make it possible to communicate with people from over the whole world. People download alot of files, music and other stuff, not knowing the dangers, like keyloggers, trojans or other malware.
Basicly, people's personal information are up for grabs on the internet, due to flaws in security or basicly because they meet "wrong" people.
People are also affraid that big companies, like Google, will eventually abuse their powers, because all the information of everybody who ever used Google, is stored in massive serverparks. Here is a video that shows why people think Google is dangerous: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRj2HJx5Il0

Do you think that you're safe on the internet, or do you fear the fact that malicious people are able to steal your personal info? Please discuss.

 

Well when I am visiting sights that I am unsure about I use a proxy tunnel. That is an internet tunnel that hides your IP from the sight you are accessing. I am not completely sure if this really works but I can get through IP bans and parental controls on computers.

I definitely think that we are at risk though any time accessing the internet. I don't do any of my bank transactions or put any of my important passwords onto this computer because I don't know what kind of crap is on it. I only put that stuff on my other computer that I use solely for safe purposes.

 

Personally i think you shouldn't put anything that you don't want to become public information on the internet. Like address, name, last name etc. But i am confident in using sites such as banking sites to do my banking.

Though just generally browing the internet, i am always cautious. I never click ads and when searching on google i always read the little information bit before i click on it. Its pretty easy to determine what sites probably have viruses by looking at the site name and by the information bit displayed in the google search.

So yeah i confident using the internet and don't think anyones going to steal my information. In fact i'm more the opposite and sometimes worry that sites won't get my information lol, like buying stuff online i always think "hopefully they recieved my money, can never really tell these days =\".

 

I dont do online banking so im pretty safe and I dont put heaps of details about myself on facebook/myspace so no one can really steal my identity.

 

of course people will steal stuff and scam on the internet as they can be anon. there fore most of the theifs dont have to own up to their crimes making it alot easier for them to do it and more confident in doing it knowing that 90% of the time they wont get caught and punished by the law

 

MY SSC is not on the internet.

My address is though, but I don't give a fuck.

I'll kill anyone who comes through my door

EDIT: Name, and personal info is aswell.

But only smart people put THAT shit together.

 

Google is very trusted,
maybe support more facts?
Why Should we be scared, exactly?

 

I have never been once scared of the internet, If my computer is infected, I reformat it, than destroy it and get a new one.

 

I think you can trust Google, because they even refused to share information with the US Department of Justice.
Link: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Google_refuses_to_hand_over_logs_to_US_Department_of_Justice

 

this is why i dont use yahoo or msn..

 

the internet is not imaginary, it's real, it really does exist, it's just like the real world, you put something on it, it says on it. Google knows when you masturbate, they also know when your doing your school report on US history. if you don't want any one knowing what your doing don't give it to them.But thats imposable. Privacy is just like 1984 it's non-existent your captured about 17 times on cameras each day, maby more... people know what you do, and you think you know what they do. Just look at our world while it looks back at you.

 

people should have aright to privacy wether it be on the internet or off the internet its a human right and were entitle to privacy wether it be on internet or rl we have a right to have it .

 

The internet should be treated just like the real world. You should only post information that you are willing for other people to know, and should only surround yourself in people that you can trust.

Personally, i dont trust the internet as far as i could throw it, probly because i keep my personal information a closely guarded secret

 

I don't really care.
Although, I don't type my address and all that on the Internet.
I typed my address on Google Earth. Oo
Pictures. I don't post too many pictures and all that.
What's posted on the Internet, STAYS on the Internet.

 

Of course theres always going to be some sick freak stealing ur pvt info, thats y u gotta keep it to a minimum

 

If I want to send nudes to fat girls in the UK, then that's my business.
I will reap the consequences sooner or later.

 

Patriot act passed. Anything is possible. 'They' could be reading this post as I type it.

 

I read something on Wikipedia about it being an anti-terrorist act, but are the really allowed to monitor all your internet activity, even if you're not suspected of being a terrorist?

EDIT: added NOT xD

 

Yep. :/

On paper, it gives defense agencies the right to access any private communication as intel to prevent terrorism. (Pro)

In reality, those of us who do not participate in terrorist activity lose the right to privacy and free speech. (Con)

There are surveillance agencies that monitor communications for key words, phrases, and codes, etc. to protect us, but since when is the subjection of privacy essential to protecting freedom?