Information Insecurity: Privacy Under Siege

by Brendan January

The Internet gives us information, communication options, shopping opportunities, entertainment, and much more--all at the touch of a fingertip and much of it for free. But in exchange for these benefits, we may be losing a basic right: the right to privacy. By clicking to accept website user agreements, we often allow companies to track our activities online and to share our data with outside groups. In addition, the police and government agencies can also track people online--and this tracking is sometimes done secretly, without user agreements or search warrants. Privacy laws and the US Constitution are supposed to protect privacy in the United States, as are laws and conventions in other parts of the world. But judicial and legal systems have not kept pace with technology. And until laws catch up, users enter a legal gray area when they communicate digitally--an arena in which their most private conversations might not be protected from intrusion. Such intrusion can be dangerous: government agencies can use information obtained via digital spying to harass, arrest, or imprison citizens. Other groups can use private digital data to discriminate in banking, retail, housing, and other businesses. Around the world, critics are sounding the alarm about digital privacy. Many have called for stricter controls on data tracking. What rights do you have when it comes to privacy online? How can you be a smart cyber citizen and protect your personal digital data? These questions are at the heart of the Internet privacy debate.

Genres: Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Brendan January has an A.B. from Haverford College and an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University. He has written numerous nonfiction titles for young readers.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview of digital privacy. It explains the privacy concerns and gives many examples of people who have suffered from lack of privacy. Despite the title, it's more about privacy than security. And it's more about explaining the issues than giving advice on protecting privacy (there's just one short page with recommendations). It discusses Internet tracking, government surveillance, and the Internet of Things. It's written for young adults, but could be helpful to anyone inexperienced in digital privacy.

The author doesn't work in IT, but that's fine because this book is just an overview for laymen.

Notes
"The tech industry has little interest in protecting your or my privacy. Indeed, it is precisely the opposite. Leading tech companies have a clear economic motive for intruding upon our privacy in obtaining as much data and personal information as they can. It's about profit, and it allows them to serve you up more targeted advertising." —James Steyer, founder of Common Sense Media

Tips
• Search with DuckDuckGo instead of Google, because it doesn't track users.
• Use Ghostery or Blur browser add-ons to control third-party data collection.
• Don't use one company for multiple functions, to limit the data any one company can collect (e.g., Google search, Gmail, Chrome browser).
• Use Tor.
• Use VPN such as WiTopia, Strong VPN.
• Regularly check privacy settings on phone and computer.
• Put tape over cameras.

[Kricket · Rating 4 out of 5]

a succinct and well-written overview of what computer users are getting themselves into in terms of privacy and data that is shared. this is a topic i'm interested in but didn't necessarily have the attention span for a long and overly-detailed explanation. teen non-fiction is so great that way.

[Ms. Bryson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ominous book, Information Insecurity gives a dire, although not far-fetched, warning to its readers about the dangers posed to their personal information in today’s technological world. It weaves a compelling exposition centered around digital privacy, including commentary from major figures such as Google executives. The font choice and size make this an approachable book for all readers in this age range. It breaks down complex topics using a variety of pop culture examples that add immediacy and personalization to its message. While it straddles the border between warning and fear mongering, this text provides an excellent accompaniment to lessons on digital literacy. One section on search engines, however, seems particularly irresponsible in warning that any personal problem tweens and teens research will be accessible to strangers on a database somewhere; teachers and parents should take care to ensure that the book does not discourage youth from looking for the answers that they need.

[Heather Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aimed at teens and young adults, Information Insecurity is a frightening and revealing look at the internet. All of our personal history and information is up for sale on the web, and we don't even realize it. When we look at that cool pair of shoes on Amazon, post a photo of ourselves on vacation, and apply for a credit card online the data is bundled and sold to companies trying to sell us things. Unfortunately, this data can fall into even more frightening hands as well. Anything posted on the internet is out there forever, so before you post about smoking, remember that grandma might not be happy to see that, and before you snap a picture of you tagging a wall outside of town, know that the police or even future employers may not be as awed by your artistry as your friends are now.
The section on public surveillance will be especially enlightening for American teens versus those in the UK, where the use of CCTV is ubiquitous. Facial recognition software can allow someone to follow your face 24/7 wherever you go. Cell phone tracking for locations and photos, app use, and interception or recording of texts and calls can build a fairly complete picture of an individual or group.
Information Insecurity is full of great information and personal stories that will interest teens and adults, though I feel it needs more photos or infographics to break up the text a bit.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it will quickly become outdated with references to current celebrities and also due to rapid technological advances, this is a useful source of information regarding one's personal security (or lack thereof) regarding their digital information. Graphics, photographs, and illustrations add to the textual content.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well-written and packed with lots of good information. Gives a strong overview of the benefits and drawbacks of the massive amount of data sharing that occurs today. Solid discussion of privacy issues and technological advancement. Includes an extensive bibliography so there is a lot to go on if a student wanted to do further research on a specific topic covered.

[Quintina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC

Information Insecurity details how our digital footprints are used by companies and the government. Young adults will be surprised to learn how what they post or search for today can impact their future. A definite must read for teens!