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Myths Made in America
"I Have Nothing to Hide": And 20 Other Myths About Surveillance and Privacy
An accessible guide that breaks down the complex issues around mass surveillance and data privacy and explores the negative consequences it can have on individual citizens and their communities.
No one is exempt from data mining: by owning a smartphone, or using social media or a credit card, we hand over private data to corporations and the government. We need to understand how surveillance and data collection operates in order to regain control over our digital freedoms--and our lives.
Attorney and data privacy expert Heidi Boghosian unpacks widespread myths around the seemingly innocuous nature of surveillance, sets the record straight about what government agencies and corporations do with our personal data, and offers solutions to take back our information. "I Have Nothing to Hide" is both a necessary mass surveillance overview and a reference book. It addresses the misconceptions around tradeoffs between privacy and security, citizen spying, and the ability to design products with privacy protections. Boghosian breaks down misinformation surrounding 21 core myths about data privacy.
By dispelling myths related to surveillance, this book helps readers better understand what data is being collected, who is gathering it, how they're doing it, and why it matters.
No one is exempt from data mining: by owning a smartphone, or using social media or a credit card, we hand over private data to corporations and the government. We need to understand how surveillance and data collection operates in order to regain control over our digital freedoms--and our lives.
Attorney and data privacy expert Heidi Boghosian unpacks widespread myths around the seemingly innocuous nature of surveillance, sets the record straight about what government agencies and corporations do with our personal data, and offers solutions to take back our information. "I Have Nothing to Hide" is both a necessary mass surveillance overview and a reference book. It addresses the misconceptions around tradeoffs between privacy and security, citizen spying, and the ability to design products with privacy protections. Boghosian breaks down misinformation surrounding 21 core myths about data privacy.
By dispelling myths related to surveillance, this book helps readers better understand what data is being collected, who is gathering it, how they're doing it, and why it matters.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2021
21 people are currently reading
1844 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Boghosian
8 books34 followersNYC attorney and radio host interested in government accountability, mass surveillance, and cybersecurity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 18, 2022
I'm not really sure what to do about this one.
On the one hand, I agreed with the author's general concern regarding every single "myth" discussed in the book (although I could nit-pick some on the fringes of most as well). My position here is very much on the side of increased privacy and I would love if more of us pushed in that direction. This book might help some move towards that, so that's good.
On the other hand, I really did not like this book. While I have nothing against the "myth-busting" format, I do think it belongs more on youtube or buzzfeed than in a "serious" book. But that's me, I'm sure it works for some. However, the writing didn't work for me either, so in combination, it was a struggle for me to even get through the book.
Add to that that most of the arguments were often weak and/or incomplete - while shoehorning them onto some hot-button topics and "sexy" news items that have been getting some press, trying to ride their coattails - and this is just a no for me.
That said, don't let me dissuade you from giving this one a go - especially if you happen to believe any of these disinformation myths.
On the one hand, I agreed with the author's general concern regarding every single "myth" discussed in the book (although I could nit-pick some on the fringes of most as well). My position here is very much on the side of increased privacy and I would love if more of us pushed in that direction. This book might help some move towards that, so that's good.
On the other hand, I really did not like this book. While I have nothing against the "myth-busting" format, I do think it belongs more on youtube or buzzfeed than in a "serious" book. But that's me, I'm sure it works for some. However, the writing didn't work for me either, so in combination, it was a struggle for me to even get through the book.
Add to that that most of the arguments were often weak and/or incomplete - while shoehorning them onto some hot-button topics and "sexy" news items that have been getting some press, trying to ride their coattails - and this is just a no for me.
That said, don't let me dissuade you from giving this one a go - especially if you happen to believe any of these disinformation myths.
August 2, 2021
If you're not creeped out by ever more pervasive mass surveillance and just how much companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, etc. know about you, you really should be. Maybe the fact that I was born in one of the most notorious surveillance states of the 20th century and thank my lucky stars every day that I didn't have to grow up in it has made me particularly sensitive to this issue. All I know is, every time I'm required to give personal data anywhere or am compelled to have my fingerprints taken due to new biometric ID requirements etc. it makes me profoundly uncomfortable, and I frankly find it rather scary that many people don't seem to have any concerns about it whatsoever.
July 8, 2021
***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway***
The thing that bugs me about every single book on privacy and surveillance I've read is the heavy handed fear mongering. This book is not an exception to that, though it was less egregious than most others. I really enjoyed how she broke down the different ways that privacy may matter in our lives by different myths. That was effective and helped me, the reader, to look at this issue from different angles. And that has a lot of value.
Unfortunately, I just don't buy into most of the arguments. I find that in almost every chapter there's a leap from "here's how surveillance is being conducted and how it affects our privacy" to "...and that's why democracy is dead!" that just doesn't make sense.
Ultimately, privacy matters. And the conversations around how our society should handle it NEED to happen. Especially as it overlaps with racism, sexism, etc. But rejecting all technology and changes to how we define privacy is hopeless. Use some sense, stay informed, and make the best choices you can.
The thing that bugs me about every single book on privacy and surveillance I've read is the heavy handed fear mongering. This book is not an exception to that, though it was less egregious than most others. I really enjoyed how she broke down the different ways that privacy may matter in our lives by different myths. That was effective and helped me, the reader, to look at this issue from different angles. And that has a lot of value.
Unfortunately, I just don't buy into most of the arguments. I find that in almost every chapter there's a leap from "here's how surveillance is being conducted and how it affects our privacy" to "...and that's why democracy is dead!" that just doesn't make sense.
Ultimately, privacy matters. And the conversations around how our society should handle it NEED to happen. Especially as it overlaps with racism, sexism, etc. But rejecting all technology and changes to how we define privacy is hopeless. Use some sense, stay informed, and make the best choices you can.
July 13, 2021
A sharp primer on surveillance and privacy in the digital era. Concise and down to earth. I liked chapters on metadata; teens’ views on privacy; the racial politics of facial recognition; and police use of social media for intelligence gathering. Go get it!!!
August 8, 2021
A very good concept, not well followed through. It was frenetic and lacked strong conclusions in almost every chapter. Too bad, because the topic is an important one and ought to be treated more thoughtfully and carefully.
November 14, 2021
ironic that I am publicly sharing this review on this social media site
March 6, 2022
An interesting read but way too America-centric for my liking.
February 2, 2025
Very poignant. It’s clear where the author stands and while some of the reasons were a bit of a stretch for me, still an incredibly important book on bring awareness and critic to the way data is handled. (Ironic this review is on an Amazon site)
Very important that people, particularly in Congress, become literate in the the subject of data and security so that policies make sense and privacy remains a fundamental right
Very important that people, particularly in Congress, become literate in the the subject of data and security so that policies make sense and privacy remains a fundamental right
September 4, 2021
3.5, rounding up
July 31, 2022
This isn't a bad introduction to concerns about surveillance, but it's (understandably) a dry read.
September 2, 2021
This was a really interesting read, albeit the author is notably biased.
August 25, 2021
Pretty academic so it took a while to get through but def worth the time spent reading
September 22, 2025
This is a well written book. Part education, history, and all warning. "I Have Nothing to Hide": And 20 Other Myths About Surveillance and Privacy is a wonderful mixture of explaining myths about electronic technology and the ramifications of the evils with this technology. Heidi Boghosian does a very good job of presenting how fast electronic survailence can get out of control, not from evil intent, but the Frankenstein effect of the unintended consequences of allowing mission creep and poor definitions that this can impact privacy and civil society. She is obviously very worried about this potential problem, but also not so ready to throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water.
This is a call to arms, and a warning of vigilance for protecting privacy and civil rights. Heidi Boghosian notes how much of the new technology is shrouded in secret. Some of it for national security is understandable, but how about law enforcement and private concerns is hiding this from the citizenry. The analogies used bring home the need for both oversight for police use as well as societal information to protect the rights of all. The technology is new, but not the much older larger questions of the boundaries of use.
This is not an easy read. It is a bit academic and a tad dry. The fire alarm warning wears a little thin as the book goes along. This is a much need clarion call, but lacks the punch to drive home the issues.
Make no mistake, this is well written and a good book on the subject
This is a call to arms, and a warning of vigilance for protecting privacy and civil rights. Heidi Boghosian notes how much of the new technology is shrouded in secret. Some of it for national security is understandable, but how about law enforcement and private concerns is hiding this from the citizenry. The analogies used bring home the need for both oversight for police use as well as societal information to protect the rights of all. The technology is new, but not the much older larger questions of the boundaries of use.
This is not an easy read. It is a bit academic and a tad dry. The fire alarm warning wears a little thin as the book goes along. This is a much need clarion call, but lacks the punch to drive home the issues.
Make no mistake, this is well written and a good book on the subject
July 15, 2021
Thank you to Beacon Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for a honest review
“I Have Nothing to Hide” is a must-read for those who aren’t particularly concerned or educated about surveillance and privacy. Those who, for example, believe that “Smart homes are more secure” or “Surveillance doesn’t influence how I act,” which are both chapters in the book. These people, however, are not the only people who will benefit from it, I was outside of the intended audience, and I still learned quite a bit.
The writing is concise, and Heidi Boghosian explains these complex topics in an easy to understand way. The book is also thoroughly well-cited throughout, and each claim is backed up with multiple studies and real-world examples.
This book is mostly centered on America, and has large portions spent on American surveillance law. I don’t think non-Americans would get nearly as much out of this book as Americans, still some of the information is applicable wherever you live.
In summary, “I Have Nothing to Hide” is an illuminating, well-researched guide to the uncomfortable truths about surveillance, and I am sure I will recommend it many times in the future.
“I Have Nothing to Hide” is a must-read for those who aren’t particularly concerned or educated about surveillance and privacy. Those who, for example, believe that “Smart homes are more secure” or “Surveillance doesn’t influence how I act,” which are both chapters in the book. These people, however, are not the only people who will benefit from it, I was outside of the intended audience, and I still learned quite a bit.
The writing is concise, and Heidi Boghosian explains these complex topics in an easy to understand way. The book is also thoroughly well-cited throughout, and each claim is backed up with multiple studies and real-world examples.
This book is mostly centered on America, and has large portions spent on American surveillance law. I don’t think non-Americans would get nearly as much out of this book as Americans, still some of the information is applicable wherever you live.
In summary, “I Have Nothing to Hide” is an illuminating, well-researched guide to the uncomfortable truths about surveillance, and I am sure I will recommend it many times in the future.
May 5, 2025
As our lives continue to be governed by electronic systems, we all need to be aware of how those information flows are used & by whom. This book provides a good overview of the intertwining of US law enforcement & high tech industry that leads to our rights to privacy being eroded away. The TV shows try to convince people that only those that are in the wrong have something to hide. Yet, your private information can be used against you in numerous ways.
After being a victim of attempted identify theft, I read Michael Bazzell's book about extreme privacy. It is an excellent manual to reduce your attack surface so that when your data is leaked, much of it can't be tracked back to you.
Use this book as your primer to understand how your data is being used against you. Extrapolate this to what is happening today in the federal government with unqualified people gaining access to all of our private data (IRA, SSA, Veterans). Then use Bazzell's book to protect yourself. High tech industry isn't interested in helping.
After being a victim of attempted identify theft, I read Michael Bazzell's book about extreme privacy. It is an excellent manual to reduce your attack surface so that when your data is leaked, much of it can't be tracked back to you.
Use this book as your primer to understand how your data is being used against you. Extrapolate this to what is happening today in the federal government with unqualified people gaining access to all of our private data (IRA, SSA, Veterans). Then use Bazzell's book to protect yourself. High tech industry isn't interested in helping.
November 25, 2023
This is a book examining a really important topic in society and makes very important points. The problem is same as other books of this type - they take one side of an issue and argue only from that side, without ever looking at the merits or downsides of this or the other side.
The author listed all the threats from surveillance but did not examine core questions
- Does surveillance have any upside?
- Under what circumstances does surveillance trump privacy?
- What would a well balanced society with right levels of surveillance and privacy look like for those pursuing it?
- What are the rights and responsibilities of the masses if they want to protect their privacy? What are the tools they can use or may have at their disposal?
- Are laws like GDPR good or bad and what will be their impact? How can they be made better?
I really wanted to like this book. Maybe a sequel will improve it.
The author listed all the threats from surveillance but did not examine core questions
- Does surveillance have any upside?
- Under what circumstances does surveillance trump privacy?
- What would a well balanced society with right levels of surveillance and privacy look like for those pursuing it?
- What are the rights and responsibilities of the masses if they want to protect their privacy? What are the tools they can use or may have at their disposal?
- Are laws like GDPR good or bad and what will be their impact? How can they be made better?
I really wanted to like this book. Maybe a sequel will improve it.
April 17, 2022
Effectively written to enable engaged reading. Not particularly effective at being compelling or convincing.
This book is structured really well - chapters are concise, to the point, not overly long or technical. It definitely shares good information and anecdotes that were new to me and relevant for consideration.
But - it also fails to provide a strong, compelling case for a change in my practices or for me to care more than I currently do with regards to privacy protection. The arguments for individual personal impact are too far-reaching or non-existent. And it also doesn't do much at trying to counter the typical arguments made in favor of surveillance.
This book is structured really well - chapters are concise, to the point, not overly long or technical. It definitely shares good information and anecdotes that were new to me and relevant for consideration.
But - it also fails to provide a strong, compelling case for a change in my practices or for me to care more than I currently do with regards to privacy protection. The arguments for individual personal impact are too far-reaching or non-existent. And it also doesn't do much at trying to counter the typical arguments made in favor of surveillance.
August 1, 2021
A must-read for anyone and everyone who utilizes technology with an inherent expectation of privacy and anonymity. This book sums up a major paradigm shift in both a concise and provocative manner.
The author compiles many key components from alternative sources and provides readers with an up-to-date summary and where we’re heading as a global society in terms of cybersecurity; she helpfully emphasizes that at times advancement in technology may lead to detrimental rather than beneficial consequences for both state and citizen.
The author compiles many key components from alternative sources and provides readers with an up-to-date summary and where we’re heading as a global society in terms of cybersecurity; she helpfully emphasizes that at times advancement in technology may lead to detrimental rather than beneficial consequences for both state and citizen.
October 28, 2021
As a techie and librarian, I'm immersed in the information world. So there tends to be a wee bit of arrogance on my side to believe that I know and heard it all. Alas, Nothing To Hide proves that there is still a bit more to learn. Quite painfully so. Quick read, jolly good eye-opener (would make most stare at their internet-connected devices at home and mutter "I don't even know you any more"), and may possibly be the cause of some sleepless nights. Recommended reading for most Senators and Representatives that seem to do bollocks about our cyber-infrastructure.
December 15, 2022
If you are at all interested in data collection and surveillance in this country, you will want to read this remarkable book about what we all DO have to hide. The author has selected 21 myths that make us believe we are safe, our lives are opaque, and anyway, who cares? According to her, we should all care. This is her detailed breakdown of those 21 myths, why they are not correct and what we can do about it. As a person who cares a lot about privacy, I love this!
I met this book at Auntie's Bookstore in Spokane, WA
I met this book at Auntie's Bookstore in Spokane, WA
September 21, 2021
This certainly changed my perspective on privacy from somewhat apathetic, to resigned to it to contemplate how to be more careful. The 20 myths are dished in appetizing bites with thought provoking examples of how things can influence your life when you think simply not participating and checking out is sufficient. It also has some good recommendations on how to guard your data and even opt out of the data siphoning.
October 4, 2021
If you are a naturally paranoid person, this book will surely drive you over the edge. That said, it really should be required reading for everyone. Whether or not you want to abandon everything and go live in a cabin in the woods, or just come to the realization that your data is out of control but there are ways to mitigate it's reach, well, thats up to the reader.
More than anything, I really appreciate how well cited this work is.
More than anything, I really appreciate how well cited this work is.
October 5, 2021
An eminently readable book on individual privacy and the myths we sometimes surround ourselves with. How both government & private entities collect our data without our knowledge or consent and sometimes illegally. And, how if caught, these same entities continue to flout the law. Suggestions are here on how to avoid the data collection - such as staying away from Facebook, but the author leaves it up to the reader to determine their path forward.
March 8, 2023
I was attracted to the premise of the book: some thought-provoking essays (or chapters) regarding various ways our privacy has eroded in the digital age and the ways we can combat it. There is some information like that, but I found the reading overall to be mostly common sense. Take my review with a grain of salt. I worked professionally in IT for 20 years. Me and my colleagues have discussed most everything in this book ad nauseum. It's not a bad book at all, just not what I was looking for.
January 4, 2024
Boghosian systematically demolishes most, if not all, of the knee-jerk responses to illegal corporate and governmental spying. Directed very specifically to an American audience there is still quite a lot here for anyone living in one of the Western, especially non-European, democracies.
Give it a read and it will remind you why you are using a VPN and encrypted chat . . . you are using a VPN and encrypted chat aren't you?
Give it a read and it will remind you why you are using a VPN and encrypted chat . . . you are using a VPN and encrypted chat aren't you?
July 31, 2021
I Have Nothing to Hide... excellent resource to discover what data is present through social media, government programs, and tracking receptacles like smart home devices like thermostats, cameras, and televisions. I would have loved to learn more about how to prevent the data overshare and misuse, but overall an interesting and well detailed guide to existing technologies in the data industry.
April 30, 2022
Book about cyber security, data mining/tracking, privacy written as 20 myths. Divided into small data packed chunks easy to read. American centric. Good points, but doesn't make it clear to the average person why this is bad. Most people not in the oversurveiled group would likey read this and say- who cares.
October 1, 2023
Thoughtful, and at times scary book about privacy, surveillance and the fact that flood gates of information about us have already opened. Ms. Boghosian is a noted attorney, and the book is fully sourced and is very well written. I do wish it had more information about how we can safeguard whatever private information we had left. (4.1-4.4./5.0 STARS)
May 7, 2024
I finished this book "I have nothing to hide", and I Highly recommend reading it. It gives points tied to well known "facts" about privacy. It details how governing bodies are trying to control us through data collection and amalgamation.
It reinforced some information I already knew, including that my paranoia is based on fact.
Scary really. Big Brother at "his" nastiest.
It reinforced some information I already knew, including that my paranoia is based on fact.
Scary really. Big Brother at "his" nastiest.
August 30, 2021
Pretty scary to think of some of the ways your data is being tracked without you even knowing. A lot of good info in this book that people should keep in mind with the growing acceleration of technology. Though largely U.S based, this book has a lot of good info.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews