Security & Privacy

How much do we care about our privacy? This question is both simpler and more complicated than it appears. While the debate over data mining and privacy is not new, in recent years, Americans have become more concerned about what information is being extracted from them without consent and how it is used.

A 2015 Pew survey explored this issue in the wider context of online tracking and profiling that occurs in commercial arenas. The survey found that Americans feel privacy is important in their daily lives, yet most have a pervasive sense that their data is being mined, and very few people feel that they have control over the data that is collected about them and how it is used. “Most strikingly, these views are especially pronounced when it comes to knowing what information about them is being collected and who is doing the collecting,” notes Pew Research Center.

Nowadays there are so many different ways to be tracked online, and with so many entities interested in our information, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain privacy online. Previously we told you about how data brokers and governments are working together to collect private information about us, and with whom data brokers sell the information to. But what data is sold? Where do brokers get your data? And how much do Americans actually care about keeping it private?

In the below infographic, MBA@UNC explored the types and sources of data that is collected by data brokers and what Americans say about keeping their data private.

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The Business of Data Brokers

How strong are your views on the importance of privacy in your everyday life? Do you feel that you have a lot of control over how much information is collected about you in daily life and how it is used? Do you support the idea of online anonymity for certain activities? Have something else to say? Share your comments below! 

Infographic source: MBA@UNC