It\u2019s easy to think of what happens online as separate from our real lives because it exists in a space we can\u2019t physically exist in. However, their impact is immense: our online experiences influence the way we think, speak, and even behave. Logically, whoever owns these spaces and devices has immense control over what information we have access to, and by extent, how we think and what we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes the consequences are unintended. Companies like Meta and TikTok didn\u2019t invent their content algorithms intending to bombard people with negative news, influence people\u2019s political views, or create unrealistic standards. Yet that\u2019s exactly what happened \u2014 doom scrolling is now a national pastime, the political divide keeps getting wider, and social media is worsening mental health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It isn\u2019t always accidental, though. Companies have been found intentionally using their power to sway political and economic structures in their favor. Some also force out competition and stifle innovations that threaten their status quo.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Untitled-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThen there\u2019s the big tech elephant in the room (although, really, it\u2019s more like a vulture spying over your shoulder): big tech profits off people\u2019s personal lives by selling the vast amounts of data it collects or using that data to predict and influence a wide range of behaviors. All this happens in the name of chasing short-term profits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s no secret. We\u2019re all too aware of the vulture in the room with us, but somehow privacy has been sold as priceless to the rich and worthless to the people whose lives are collected for profit. Things are changing, though. Digital privacy has become a hot topic worldwide in the last couple of years, and clearly, governments are taking notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the Breadcrumbs: A Trail of Lawsuits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you look up any big tech company, chances are good you\u2019ll find at least one regulatory probe or lawsuit aimed at its practices. In recent years, countries and bodies like the US, the UK, and the EU seem to have ramped up their efforts to investigate how big tech companies conduct business \u2014 especially in terms of how these decisions affect society. Look at some of the more high-profile cases from 2023 alone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Judges closed an FTC suit<\/a> against Meta in April 2023 that, among other things, tried to revert its acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp. The FTC accused Meta of conducting \u201canti-competitive practices, like buying up or cutting off rivals that threatened its monopoly, for years.\u201d The judges ruled it was too late to revert these decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The FTC and 17 state attorneys general launched a lawsuit<\/a> against Amazon in September 2023, accusing it of predatory marketplace practices. According to the case, Amazon uses \u201ca set of interlocking anticompetitive and unfair strategies\u201d to block competition, inflate prices, prevent sellers from lowering prices, and degrade quality for shoppers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A class action lawsuit<\/a> filed in the UK in September 2023, claims Google manipulated its dominant position in search engine results, costing consumers and contributing to the cost of living crisis. According to the suit, the company has used various practices to stifle competition allowing it to charge advertisers more. Advertisers then passed these costs on to consumers.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Despite winning its legal battle against Epic Games earlier in 2023, the App Store is under fire again. In September, payment card issuers filed an antitrust lawsuit<\/a> against Apple for \u201ccoercing\u201d people into using the Apple Pay mobile wallet over alternatives. The plaintiffs claim this has harmed consumers by stifling innovation, increasing prices, and \u201cminimizing the incentive to make Apple Pay safer and easier to use.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Multiple similar lawsuits are still ongoing today, against these and other big tech companies. While not all of them make it to trial or lead to a favorable ruling for the accusers, these lawsuits still touch on something important. They highlight how the decisions made by these companies can affect you and me \u2014 the average person who relies on this technology every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big Tech Companies Are Constantly Changing Society<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn 2020, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Apple appeared before Congress<\/a> after a year-long investigation by lawmakers which concluded they had \u201cwielded their power in destructive, harmful ways in order to expand.\u201d While the main focus of that hearing was whether existing antitrust laws are sufficiently keeping big tech companies in check, committee members also questioned how the companies managed speech and expression on their platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInterestingly, tech companies often say that big tech is unfairly targeted and constantly scrutinized by politicians. Regardless of the political intent behind those lawmakers\u2019 questions, it\u2019s almost definitely right that they\u2019re asking them. Big tech companies have direct control over how we gain information, learn new ideas, and share our thoughts. Shouldn\u2019t something with that much power be under constant scrutiny?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s true that sometimes the anger these companies face is misplaced. No entity can account for every unintended problem it causes, and many politicians point fingers out of self-interest. None of this changes the fact that tech giants have now become more influential than whole countries. They hold decision-making powers that can affect the global market and social stability. Thanks to corporate lobbying, big tech companies can even use their deep pockets to change laws and determine government priorities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe problem we face today is that innovation is happening so fast and reshaping entire industries overnight that the negative externalities can be like flash floods,\u201d says Adam Kleinberg, CEO of advertising agency Traction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That level of power should be held accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Tech Giants Be Held in Check?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou know that old saying about an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object? So far, big tech companies have managed to simply push through any form of resistance in their paths. What\u2019s it going to take to stop that monolithic force?<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Untitled-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nYou could argue that capitalism has a system of checks and balances built into it. Things will sort themselves out as competitors work to keep each other in check. It\u2019s a nice thought. Except, remember that game of Monopoly your friends are still angry about? Because it should have clued you in: there isn\u2019t space for anyone else when you own the whole street. Tech giants have become so big that new competitors just don\u2019t have the funds or resources to stop their astronomical growth anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you oppose an entity that is part of how society functions, knows everything about you, and can manipulate the world around you in ways you can\u2019t even see? Our only option is to focus on responsibility \u2014 and not just big tech\u2019s responsibility, but every person\u2019s responsibility too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Long Arm of the Law May Have Reached Its Limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMany big tech companies are currently facing flash floods of their own in the form of lawsuits. Yet lawsuits clearly haven\u2019t been all that effective in reining in bad decision-making on the part of big tech companies to date. They pay a few million dollars in fines and go on to make billions more that same year. Even when competitors like Epic Games and others try to take them on<\/a>, the legal system lets them down.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo if punishment isn\u2019t as effective as we\u2019d hoped, we\u2019re left with no option but to keep playing the game. This isn\u2019t board game night, though. We can change the rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an example, research shows that companies with effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs are more profitable than those without them. This led companies to switch tactics and started changing their policies and getting involved in charity. To date, though, companies have treated CSR as more of a vanity marketing tactic than anything else. Most do just enough to make themselves look good without worrying about whether they actually create a positive impact on society.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If companies are getting by pretending to be responsible, it\u2019s because no one is actually holding them accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Netizen: Your Social Responsibility Counts Too<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCorporations aren\u2019t people and don\u2019t have a conscience, but they\u2019re kept alive by people like you and me. It\u2019s up to corporate leaders to be mindful and make decisions that both benefit a company and minimize its negative consequences to society. Unfortunately, companies tend to ignore this responsibility until it affects their bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIgnorance is bliss until it\u2019s not. Technology companies that do not assess the impact of their work are prioritizing shareholders and stakeholders over consequences,\u201d says Brian Solis, principal analyst at Altimeter Group.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When leaders don\u2019t make mindful decisions, the responsibility to apply these consequences falls on us. As a citizen of society, you have fundamental rights. These rights are hard-won and they come with responsibilities too \u2014 because what you do affects the world around you. The internet may be virtual, but it\u2019s still us, at its core. We\u2019ve become a society of netizens, and if we want our rights to apply to <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Untitled-3.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nthe virtual realm, then our responsibilities should naturally follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what is your responsibility here? It\u2019s to change the way you think about your privacy. Sounds simple, doesn\u2019t it? That\u2019s because it\u2019s easy to understand but tough to follow through. If we can reclaim our privacy, which we give to tech companies by using their products and services without a thought, we reclaim some of our power. It\u2019s going to take work and maybe even a little inconvenience \u2014 but nothing worth having has ever been easy to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Rule: He Who Holds the Gold Makes the Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve probably seen the phrase \u201cdata is the new currency\u201d at least once by now, and moved on without giving it a second thought. We\u2019re all guilty of it, because \u201cdata\u201d seems far removed from reality, even though you\u2019re constantly surrounded by tech. The change starts with you accepting your data is valuable. You have to accept that if you want big tech corporations to stop gaining (and abusing) power, you need to start protecting your privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following through is hard because what these companies provide is convenient, and better options are either less user-friendly or don\u2019t exist yet. Don\u2019t let that be an excuse to give up before you even start, though. Striving for perfect ethical consumption doesn\u2019t work because it\u2019s not real. We just have to use the information available to us and make the best decisions we can at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you take some time to look, you\u2019ll find plenty of resources and options available to you. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Educate yourself about how companies collect and use your information. PIA has plenty of privacy-focused content on our blog, but use other sources too. Non-profit organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) may be a good place to start.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Switch to gadgets and services that value privacy. You have options when it comes to anonymous browsers, private messaging apps, and tools that improve your privacy like script and tracker blockers, VPNs, and even anonymous payment methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can, stop using products and services from companies that aren\u2019t transparent about their practices or that have been charged with abusing their power. If you can\u2019t find a better competitor, reconsider whether you really need it.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can\u2019t stop using a product or service, try to limit how much data you share with it. Change the privacy settings it makes available (if any), but also change the way you use it. As an example, if you\u2019re not using your phone then put it in another room. You\u2019ll still be able to hear when you get a text, but Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant won\u2019t constantly be listening to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change your online habits. This may be the hardest one by far but it can also have the most impact. We tend to share a lot of details about ourselves with the internet without thinking about it. We overshare on social media, give away our personal details in online competitions, and sign in using other accounts because it takes a few seconds less than using an email address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Unless you decide to leave society altogether, you\u2019re stuck seeing this game through. So maybe it\u2019s time to start making some strategic choices. If you don\u2019t like what a big tech company is doing, then change the rules, try new players \u2014 and most importantly, stop displaying your hand of cards for everyone to see. Stop giving your precious data away in exchange for convenience or free services that end up costing you things you didn\u2019t want to pay in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We strongly recommend using a VPN to help avoid some of the data tracking discussed here. When choosing a VPN<\/a> to protect your online privacy, it\u2019s just as important to trust that the VPN won\u2019t collect your data. PIA<\/a> is the only court-proven and independently verified No Logs VPN. We use open-source software that anyone can verify, have RAM-only servers, and accept anonymous payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Multiple similar lawsuits are still ongoing today, against these and other big tech companies. While not all of them make it to trial or lead to a favorable ruling for the accusers, these lawsuits still touch on something important. They highlight how the decisions made by these companies can affect you and me \u2014 the average person who relies on this technology every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big Tech Companies Are Constantly Changing Society<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn 2020, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Apple appeared before Congress<\/a> after a year-long investigation by lawmakers which concluded they had \u201cwielded their power in destructive, harmful ways in order to expand.\u201d While the main focus of that hearing was whether existing antitrust laws are sufficiently keeping big tech companies in check, committee members also questioned how the companies managed speech and expression on their platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInterestingly, tech companies often say that big tech is unfairly targeted and constantly scrutinized by politicians. Regardless of the political intent behind those lawmakers\u2019 questions, it\u2019s almost definitely right that they\u2019re asking them. Big tech companies have direct control over how we gain information, learn new ideas, and share our thoughts. Shouldn\u2019t something with that much power be under constant scrutiny?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s true that sometimes the anger these companies face is misplaced. No entity can account for every unintended problem it causes, and many politicians point fingers out of self-interest. None of this changes the fact that tech giants have now become more influential than whole countries. They hold decision-making powers that can affect the global market and social stability. Thanks to corporate lobbying, big tech companies can even use their deep pockets to change laws and determine government priorities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe problem we face today is that innovation is happening so fast and reshaping entire industries overnight that the negative externalities can be like flash floods,\u201d says Adam Kleinberg, CEO of advertising agency Traction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That level of power should be held accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Tech Giants Be Held in Check?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou know that old saying about an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object? So far, big tech companies have managed to simply push through any form of resistance in their paths. What\u2019s it going to take to stop that monolithic force?<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nYou could argue that capitalism has a system of checks and balances built into it. Things will sort themselves out as competitors work to keep each other in check. It\u2019s a nice thought. Except, remember that game of Monopoly your friends are still angry about? Because it should have clued you in: there isn\u2019t space for anyone else when you own the whole street. Tech giants have become so big that new competitors just don\u2019t have the funds or resources to stop their astronomical growth anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you oppose an entity that is part of how society functions, knows everything about you, and can manipulate the world around you in ways you can\u2019t even see? Our only option is to focus on responsibility \u2014 and not just big tech\u2019s responsibility, but every person\u2019s responsibility too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Long Arm of the Law May Have Reached Its Limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMany big tech companies are currently facing flash floods of their own in the form of lawsuits. Yet lawsuits clearly haven\u2019t been all that effective in reining in bad decision-making on the part of big tech companies to date. They pay a few million dollars in fines and go on to make billions more that same year. Even when competitors like Epic Games and others try to take them on<\/a>, the legal system lets them down.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo if punishment isn\u2019t as effective as we\u2019d hoped, we\u2019re left with no option but to keep playing the game. This isn\u2019t board game night, though. We can change the rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an example, research shows that companies with effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs are more profitable than those without them. This led companies to switch tactics and started changing their policies and getting involved in charity. To date, though, companies have treated CSR as more of a vanity marketing tactic than anything else. Most do just enough to make themselves look good without worrying about whether they actually create a positive impact on society.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If companies are getting by pretending to be responsible, it\u2019s because no one is actually holding them accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Netizen: Your Social Responsibility Counts Too<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCorporations aren\u2019t people and don\u2019t have a conscience, but they\u2019re kept alive by people like you and me. It\u2019s up to corporate leaders to be mindful and make decisions that both benefit a company and minimize its negative consequences to society. Unfortunately, companies tend to ignore this responsibility until it affects their bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIgnorance is bliss until it\u2019s not. Technology companies that do not assess the impact of their work are prioritizing shareholders and stakeholders over consequences,\u201d says Brian Solis, principal analyst at Altimeter Group.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When leaders don\u2019t make mindful decisions, the responsibility to apply these consequences falls on us. As a citizen of society, you have fundamental rights. These rights are hard-won and they come with responsibilities too \u2014 because what you do affects the world around you. The internet may be virtual, but it\u2019s still us, at its core. We\u2019ve become a society of netizens, and if we want our rights to apply to <\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nthe virtual realm, then our responsibilities should naturally follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what is your responsibility here? It\u2019s to change the way you think about your privacy. Sounds simple, doesn\u2019t it? That\u2019s because it\u2019s easy to understand but tough to follow through. If we can reclaim our privacy, which we give to tech companies by using their products and services without a thought, we reclaim some of our power. It\u2019s going to take work and maybe even a little inconvenience \u2014 but nothing worth having has ever been easy to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Rule: He Who Holds the Gold Makes the Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve probably seen the phrase \u201cdata is the new currency\u201d at least once by now, and moved on without giving it a second thought. We\u2019re all guilty of it, because \u201cdata\u201d seems far removed from reality, even though you\u2019re constantly surrounded by tech. The change starts with you accepting your data is valuable. You have to accept that if you want big tech corporations to stop gaining (and abusing) power, you need to start protecting your privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following through is hard because what these companies provide is convenient, and better options are either less user-friendly or don\u2019t exist yet. Don\u2019t let that be an excuse to give up before you even start, though. Striving for perfect ethical consumption doesn\u2019t work because it\u2019s not real. We just have to use the information available to us and make the best decisions we can at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you take some time to look, you\u2019ll find plenty of resources and options available to you. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Educate yourself about how companies collect and use your information. PIA has plenty of privacy-focused content on our blog, but use other sources too. Non-profit organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) may be a good place to start.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Switch to gadgets and services that value privacy. You have options when it comes to anonymous browsers, private messaging apps, and tools that improve your privacy like script and tracker blockers, VPNs, and even anonymous payment methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can, stop using products and services from companies that aren\u2019t transparent about their practices or that have been charged with abusing their power. If you can\u2019t find a better competitor, reconsider whether you really need it.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can\u2019t stop using a product or service, try to limit how much data you share with it. Change the privacy settings it makes available (if any), but also change the way you use it. As an example, if you\u2019re not using your phone then put it in another room. You\u2019ll still be able to hear when you get a text, but Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant won\u2019t constantly be listening to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change your online habits. This may be the hardest one by far but it can also have the most impact. We tend to share a lot of details about ourselves with the internet without thinking about it. We overshare on social media, give away our personal details in online competitions, and sign in using other accounts because it takes a few seconds less than using an email address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Unless you decide to leave society altogether, you\u2019re stuck seeing this game through. So maybe it\u2019s time to start making some strategic choices. If you don\u2019t like what a big tech company is doing, then change the rules, try new players \u2014 and most importantly, stop displaying your hand of cards for everyone to see. Stop giving your precious data away in exchange for convenience or free services that end up costing you things you didn\u2019t want to pay in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We strongly recommend using a VPN to help avoid some of the data tracking discussed here. When choosing a VPN<\/a> to protect your online privacy, it\u2019s just as important to trust that the VPN won\u2019t collect your data. PIA<\/a> is the only court-proven and independently verified No Logs VPN. We use open-source software that anyone can verify, have RAM-only servers, and accept anonymous payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interestingly, tech companies often say that big tech is unfairly targeted and constantly scrutinized by politicians. Regardless of the political intent behind those lawmakers\u2019 questions, it\u2019s almost definitely right that they\u2019re asking them. Big tech companies have direct control over how we gain information, learn new ideas, and share our thoughts. Shouldn\u2019t something with that much power be under constant scrutiny?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s true that sometimes the anger these companies face is misplaced. No entity can account for every unintended problem it causes, and many politicians point fingers out of self-interest. None of this changes the fact that tech giants have now become more influential than whole countries. They hold decision-making powers that can affect the global market and social stability. Thanks to corporate lobbying, big tech companies can even use their deep pockets to change laws and determine government priorities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe problem we face today is that innovation is happening so fast and reshaping entire industries overnight that the negative externalities can be like flash floods,\u201d says Adam Kleinberg, CEO of advertising agency Traction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That level of power should be held accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Tech Giants Be Held in Check?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou know that old saying about an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object? So far, big tech companies have managed to simply push through any form of resistance in their paths. What\u2019s it going to take to stop that monolithic force?<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nYou could argue that capitalism has a system of checks and balances built into it. Things will sort themselves out as competitors work to keep each other in check. It\u2019s a nice thought. Except, remember that game of Monopoly your friends are still angry about? Because it should have clued you in: there isn\u2019t space for anyone else when you own the whole street. Tech giants have become so big that new competitors just don\u2019t have the funds or resources to stop their astronomical growth anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you oppose an entity that is part of how society functions, knows everything about you, and can manipulate the world around you in ways you can\u2019t even see? Our only option is to focus on responsibility \u2014 and not just big tech\u2019s responsibility, but every person\u2019s responsibility too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Long Arm of the Law May Have Reached Its Limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMany big tech companies are currently facing flash floods of their own in the form of lawsuits. Yet lawsuits clearly haven\u2019t been all that effective in reining in bad decision-making on the part of big tech companies to date. They pay a few million dollars in fines and go on to make billions more that same year. Even when competitors like Epic Games and others try to take them on<\/a>, the legal system lets them down.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo if punishment isn\u2019t as effective as we\u2019d hoped, we\u2019re left with no option but to keep playing the game. This isn\u2019t board game night, though. We can change the rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an example, research shows that companies with effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs are more profitable than those without them. This led companies to switch tactics and started changing their policies and getting involved in charity. To date, though, companies have treated CSR as more of a vanity marketing tactic than anything else. Most do just enough to make themselves look good without worrying about whether they actually create a positive impact on society.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If companies are getting by pretending to be responsible, it\u2019s because no one is actually holding them accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Netizen: Your Social Responsibility Counts Too<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCorporations aren\u2019t people and don\u2019t have a conscience, but they\u2019re kept alive by people like you and me. It\u2019s up to corporate leaders to be mindful and make decisions that both benefit a company and minimize its negative consequences to society. Unfortunately, companies tend to ignore this responsibility until it affects their bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIgnorance is bliss until it\u2019s not. Technology companies that do not assess the impact of their work are prioritizing shareholders and stakeholders over consequences,\u201d says Brian Solis, principal analyst at Altimeter Group.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When leaders don\u2019t make mindful decisions, the responsibility to apply these consequences falls on us. As a citizen of society, you have fundamental rights. These rights are hard-won and they come with responsibilities too \u2014 because what you do affects the world around you. The internet may be virtual, but it\u2019s still us, at its core. We\u2019ve become a society of netizens, and if we want our rights to apply to <\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nthe virtual realm, then our responsibilities should naturally follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what is your responsibility here? It\u2019s to change the way you think about your privacy. Sounds simple, doesn\u2019t it? That\u2019s because it\u2019s easy to understand but tough to follow through. If we can reclaim our privacy, which we give to tech companies by using their products and services without a thought, we reclaim some of our power. It\u2019s going to take work and maybe even a little inconvenience \u2014 but nothing worth having has ever been easy to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Rule: He Who Holds the Gold Makes the Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve probably seen the phrase \u201cdata is the new currency\u201d at least once by now, and moved on without giving it a second thought. We\u2019re all guilty of it, because \u201cdata\u201d seems far removed from reality, even though you\u2019re constantly surrounded by tech. The change starts with you accepting your data is valuable. You have to accept that if you want big tech corporations to stop gaining (and abusing) power, you need to start protecting your privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following through is hard because what these companies provide is convenient, and better options are either less user-friendly or don\u2019t exist yet. Don\u2019t let that be an excuse to give up before you even start, though. Striving for perfect ethical consumption doesn\u2019t work because it\u2019s not real. We just have to use the information available to us and make the best decisions we can at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you take some time to look, you\u2019ll find plenty of resources and options available to you. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Educate yourself about how companies collect and use your information. PIA has plenty of privacy-focused content on our blog, but use other sources too. Non-profit organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) may be a good place to start.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Switch to gadgets and services that value privacy. You have options when it comes to anonymous browsers, private messaging apps, and tools that improve your privacy like script and tracker blockers, VPNs, and even anonymous payment methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can, stop using products and services from companies that aren\u2019t transparent about their practices or that have been charged with abusing their power. If you can\u2019t find a better competitor, reconsider whether you really need it.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can\u2019t stop using a product or service, try to limit how much data you share with it. Change the privacy settings it makes available (if any), but also change the way you use it. As an example, if you\u2019re not using your phone then put it in another room. You\u2019ll still be able to hear when you get a text, but Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant won\u2019t constantly be listening to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change your online habits. This may be the hardest one by far but it can also have the most impact. We tend to share a lot of details about ourselves with the internet without thinking about it. We overshare on social media, give away our personal details in online competitions, and sign in using other accounts because it takes a few seconds less than using an email address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Unless you decide to leave society altogether, you\u2019re stuck seeing this game through. So maybe it\u2019s time to start making some strategic choices. If you don\u2019t like what a big tech company is doing, then change the rules, try new players \u2014 and most importantly, stop displaying your hand of cards for everyone to see. Stop giving your precious data away in exchange for convenience or free services that end up costing you things you didn\u2019t want to pay in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We strongly recommend using a VPN to help avoid some of the data tracking discussed here. When choosing a VPN<\/a> to protect your online privacy, it\u2019s just as important to trust that the VPN won\u2019t collect your data. PIA<\/a> is the only court-proven and independently verified No Logs VPN. We use open-source software that anyone can verify, have RAM-only servers, and accept anonymous payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nYou could argue that capitalism has a system of checks and balances built into it. Things will sort themselves out as competitors work to keep each other in check. It\u2019s a nice thought. Except, remember that game of Monopoly your friends are still angry about? Because it should have clued you in: there isn\u2019t space for anyone else when you own the whole street. Tech giants have become so big that new competitors just don\u2019t have the funds or resources to stop their astronomical growth anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you oppose an entity that is part of how society functions, knows everything about you, and can manipulate the world around you in ways you can\u2019t even see? Our only option is to focus on responsibility \u2014 and not just big tech\u2019s responsibility, but every person\u2019s responsibility too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Long Arm of the Law May Have Reached Its Limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMany big tech companies are currently facing flash floods of their own in the form of lawsuits. Yet lawsuits clearly haven\u2019t been all that effective in reining in bad decision-making on the part of big tech companies to date. They pay a few million dollars in fines and go on to make billions more that same year. Even when competitors like Epic Games and others try to take them on<\/a>, the legal system lets them down.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo if punishment isn\u2019t as effective as we\u2019d hoped, we\u2019re left with no option but to keep playing the game. This isn\u2019t board game night, though. We can change the rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an example, research shows that companies with effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs are more profitable than those without them. This led companies to switch tactics and started changing their policies and getting involved in charity. To date, though, companies have treated CSR as more of a vanity marketing tactic than anything else. Most do just enough to make themselves look good without worrying about whether they actually create a positive impact on society.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If companies are getting by pretending to be responsible, it\u2019s because no one is actually holding them accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Netizen: Your Social Responsibility Counts Too<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCorporations aren\u2019t people and don\u2019t have a conscience, but they\u2019re kept alive by people like you and me. It\u2019s up to corporate leaders to be mindful and make decisions that both benefit a company and minimize its negative consequences to society. Unfortunately, companies tend to ignore this responsibility until it affects their bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIgnorance is bliss until it\u2019s not. Technology companies that do not assess the impact of their work are prioritizing shareholders and stakeholders over consequences,\u201d says Brian Solis, principal analyst at Altimeter Group.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When leaders don\u2019t make mindful decisions, the responsibility to apply these consequences falls on us. As a citizen of society, you have fundamental rights. These rights are hard-won and they come with responsibilities too \u2014 because what you do affects the world around you. The internet may be virtual, but it\u2019s still us, at its core. We\u2019ve become a society of netizens, and if we want our rights to apply to <\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nthe virtual realm, then our responsibilities should naturally follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what is your responsibility here? It\u2019s to change the way you think about your privacy. Sounds simple, doesn\u2019t it? That\u2019s because it\u2019s easy to understand but tough to follow through. If we can reclaim our privacy, which we give to tech companies by using their products and services without a thought, we reclaim some of our power. It\u2019s going to take work and maybe even a little inconvenience \u2014 but nothing worth having has ever been easy to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Rule: He Who Holds the Gold Makes the Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve probably seen the phrase \u201cdata is the new currency\u201d at least once by now, and moved on without giving it a second thought. We\u2019re all guilty of it, because \u201cdata\u201d seems far removed from reality, even though you\u2019re constantly surrounded by tech. The change starts with you accepting your data is valuable. You have to accept that if you want big tech corporations to stop gaining (and abusing) power, you need to start protecting your privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following through is hard because what these companies provide is convenient, and better options are either less user-friendly or don\u2019t exist yet. Don\u2019t let that be an excuse to give up before you even start, though. Striving for perfect ethical consumption doesn\u2019t work because it\u2019s not real. We just have to use the information available to us and make the best decisions we can at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you take some time to look, you\u2019ll find plenty of resources and options available to you. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Educate yourself about how companies collect and use your information. PIA has plenty of privacy-focused content on our blog, but use other sources too. Non-profit organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) may be a good place to start.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Switch to gadgets and services that value privacy. You have options when it comes to anonymous browsers, private messaging apps, and tools that improve your privacy like script and tracker blockers, VPNs, and even anonymous payment methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can, stop using products and services from companies that aren\u2019t transparent about their practices or that have been charged with abusing their power. If you can\u2019t find a better competitor, reconsider whether you really need it.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can\u2019t stop using a product or service, try to limit how much data you share with it. Change the privacy settings it makes available (if any), but also change the way you use it. As an example, if you\u2019re not using your phone then put it in another room. You\u2019ll still be able to hear when you get a text, but Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant won\u2019t constantly be listening to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change your online habits. This may be the hardest one by far but it can also have the most impact. We tend to share a lot of details about ourselves with the internet without thinking about it. We overshare on social media, give away our personal details in online competitions, and sign in using other accounts because it takes a few seconds less than using an email address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Unless you decide to leave society altogether, you\u2019re stuck seeing this game through. So maybe it\u2019s time to start making some strategic choices. If you don\u2019t like what a big tech company is doing, then change the rules, try new players \u2014 and most importantly, stop displaying your hand of cards for everyone to see. Stop giving your precious data away in exchange for convenience or free services that end up costing you things you didn\u2019t want to pay in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We strongly recommend using a VPN to help avoid some of the data tracking discussed here. When choosing a VPN<\/a> to protect your online privacy, it\u2019s just as important to trust that the VPN won\u2019t collect your data. PIA<\/a> is the only court-proven and independently verified No Logs VPN. We use open-source software that anyone can verify, have RAM-only servers, and accept anonymous payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if punishment isn\u2019t as effective as we\u2019d hoped, we\u2019re left with no option but to keep playing the game. This isn\u2019t board game night, though. We can change the rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an example, research shows that companies with effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs are more profitable than those without them. This led companies to switch tactics and started changing their policies and getting involved in charity. To date, though, companies have treated CSR as more of a vanity marketing tactic than anything else. Most do just enough to make themselves look good without worrying about whether they actually create a positive impact on society.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If companies are getting by pretending to be responsible, it\u2019s because no one is actually holding them accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Netizen: Your Social Responsibility Counts Too<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCorporations aren\u2019t people and don\u2019t have a conscience, but they\u2019re kept alive by people like you and me. It\u2019s up to corporate leaders to be mindful and make decisions that both benefit a company and minimize its negative consequences to society. Unfortunately, companies tend to ignore this responsibility until it affects their bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIgnorance is bliss until it\u2019s not. Technology companies that do not assess the impact of their work are prioritizing shareholders and stakeholders over consequences,\u201d says Brian Solis, principal analyst at Altimeter Group.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When leaders don\u2019t make mindful decisions, the responsibility to apply these consequences falls on us. As a citizen of society, you have fundamental rights. These rights are hard-won and they come with responsibilities too \u2014 because what you do affects the world around you. The internet may be virtual, but it\u2019s still us, at its core. We\u2019ve become a society of netizens, and if we want our rights to apply to <\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nthe virtual realm, then our responsibilities should naturally follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what is your responsibility here? It\u2019s to change the way you think about your privacy. Sounds simple, doesn\u2019t it? That\u2019s because it\u2019s easy to understand but tough to follow through. If we can reclaim our privacy, which we give to tech companies by using their products and services without a thought, we reclaim some of our power. It\u2019s going to take work and maybe even a little inconvenience \u2014 but nothing worth having has ever been easy to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Rule: He Who Holds the Gold Makes the Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve probably seen the phrase \u201cdata is the new currency\u201d at least once by now, and moved on without giving it a second thought. We\u2019re all guilty of it, because \u201cdata\u201d seems far removed from reality, even though you\u2019re constantly surrounded by tech. The change starts with you accepting your data is valuable. You have to accept that if you want big tech corporations to stop gaining (and abusing) power, you need to start protecting your privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following through is hard because what these companies provide is convenient, and better options are either less user-friendly or don\u2019t exist yet. Don\u2019t let that be an excuse to give up before you even start, though. Striving for perfect ethical consumption doesn\u2019t work because it\u2019s not real. We just have to use the information available to us and make the best decisions we can at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you take some time to look, you\u2019ll find plenty of resources and options available to you. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Educate yourself about how companies collect and use your information. PIA has plenty of privacy-focused content on our blog, but use other sources too. Non-profit organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) may be a good place to start.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Switch to gadgets and services that value privacy. You have options when it comes to anonymous browsers, private messaging apps, and tools that improve your privacy like script and tracker blockers, VPNs, and even anonymous payment methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can, stop using products and services from companies that aren\u2019t transparent about their practices or that have been charged with abusing their power. If you can\u2019t find a better competitor, reconsider whether you really need it.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can\u2019t stop using a product or service, try to limit how much data you share with it. Change the privacy settings it makes available (if any), but also change the way you use it. As an example, if you\u2019re not using your phone then put it in another room. You\u2019ll still be able to hear when you get a text, but Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant won\u2019t constantly be listening to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change your online habits. This may be the hardest one by far but it can also have the most impact. We tend to share a lot of details about ourselves with the internet without thinking about it. We overshare on social media, give away our personal details in online competitions, and sign in using other accounts because it takes a few seconds less than using an email address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Unless you decide to leave society altogether, you\u2019re stuck seeing this game through. So maybe it\u2019s time to start making some strategic choices. If you don\u2019t like what a big tech company is doing, then change the rules, try new players \u2014 and most importantly, stop displaying your hand of cards for everyone to see. Stop giving your precious data away in exchange for convenience or free services that end up costing you things you didn\u2019t want to pay in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We strongly recommend using a VPN to help avoid some of the data tracking discussed here. When choosing a VPN<\/a> to protect your online privacy, it\u2019s just as important to trust that the VPN won\u2019t collect your data. PIA<\/a> is the only court-proven and independently verified No Logs VPN. We use open-source software that anyone can verify, have RAM-only servers, and accept anonymous payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nthe virtual realm, then our responsibilities should naturally follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what is your responsibility here? It\u2019s to change the way you think about your privacy. Sounds simple, doesn\u2019t it? That\u2019s because it\u2019s easy to understand but tough to follow through. If we can reclaim our privacy, which we give to tech companies by using their products and services without a thought, we reclaim some of our power. It\u2019s going to take work and maybe even a little inconvenience \u2014 but nothing worth having has ever been easy to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Rule: He Who Holds the Gold Makes the Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve probably seen the phrase \u201cdata is the new currency\u201d at least once by now, and moved on without giving it a second thought. We\u2019re all guilty of it, because \u201cdata\u201d seems far removed from reality, even though you\u2019re constantly surrounded by tech. The change starts with you accepting your data is valuable. You have to accept that if you want big tech corporations to stop gaining (and abusing) power, you need to start protecting your privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following through is hard because what these companies provide is convenient, and better options are either less user-friendly or don\u2019t exist yet. Don\u2019t let that be an excuse to give up before you even start, though. Striving for perfect ethical consumption doesn\u2019t work because it\u2019s not real. We just have to use the information available to us and make the best decisions we can at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you take some time to look, you\u2019ll find plenty of resources and options available to you. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Educate yourself about how companies collect and use your information. PIA has plenty of privacy-focused content on our blog, but use other sources too. Non-profit organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) may be a good place to start.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Switch to gadgets and services that value privacy. You have options when it comes to anonymous browsers, private messaging apps, and tools that improve your privacy like script and tracker blockers, VPNs, and even anonymous payment methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can, stop using products and services from companies that aren\u2019t transparent about their practices or that have been charged with abusing their power. If you can\u2019t find a better competitor, reconsider whether you really need it.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can\u2019t stop using a product or service, try to limit how much data you share with it. Change the privacy settings it makes available (if any), but also change the way you use it. As an example, if you\u2019re not using your phone then put it in another room. You\u2019ll still be able to hear when you get a text, but Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant won\u2019t constantly be listening to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change your online habits. This may be the hardest one by far but it can also have the most impact. We tend to share a lot of details about ourselves with the internet without thinking about it. We overshare on social media, give away our personal details in online competitions, and sign in using other accounts because it takes a few seconds less than using an email address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Unless you decide to leave society altogether, you\u2019re stuck seeing this game through. So maybe it\u2019s time to start making some strategic choices. If you don\u2019t like what a big tech company is doing, then change the rules, try new players \u2014 and most importantly, stop displaying your hand of cards for everyone to see. Stop giving your precious data away in exchange for convenience or free services that end up costing you things you didn\u2019t want to pay in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We strongly recommend using a VPN to help avoid some of the data tracking discussed here. When choosing a VPN<\/a> to protect your online privacy, it\u2019s just as important to trust that the VPN won\u2019t collect your data. PIA<\/a> is the only court-proven and independently verified No Logs VPN. We use open-source software that anyone can verify, have RAM-only servers, and accept anonymous payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unless you decide to leave society altogether, you\u2019re stuck seeing this game through. So maybe it\u2019s time to start making some strategic choices. If you don\u2019t like what a big tech company is doing, then change the rules, try new players \u2014 and most importantly, stop displaying your hand of cards for everyone to see. Stop giving your precious data away in exchange for convenience or free services that end up costing you things you didn\u2019t want to pay in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We strongly recommend using a VPN to help avoid some of the data tracking discussed here. When choosing a VPN<\/a> to protect your online privacy, it\u2019s just as important to trust that the VPN won\u2019t collect your data. PIA<\/a> is the only court-proven and independently verified No Logs VPN. We use open-source software that anyone can verify, have RAM-only servers, and accept anonymous payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n