Here is a new link:
https://oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/whiteme/Privacy.pdf
I don't know why my links never work! :)
When I was a teenager I used to babysit all around the neighborhood. I will never forget a little blond girl that I was frequently in charge of. She must have been 4 or 5 and she had been in her room with the door closed. So, I knocked to see if she was ok. She responded, “Yes, I just want some privacy!”
A five year old has a full grasp of privacy but the government doesn’t? The article above discussed the responsibility we have as librarians to protect out patron’s privacy. I agree especially when it comes to business trying to collect information to try and sell you something. Nothing irritates me more.
I don’t know when this started but it has been a few years now were retailers ask you for a phone number or zip code when checking out. I feel like yelling, “Mind your business! I just want to buy this shirt!” (Too extreme?)
There are lots of different reasons to collect information but solicitation is not a good one. And the library is no place for it.
6 comments:
I couldn't get the link to the article to load, but I still agree with you. Privacy is something we learn to appreciate from a young age. When is it that people in the government begin to lose their perspective about privacy? Its crazy.
I'm glad you mentioned the stores too. that drives me nuts. They ask me for my phone number or zip code and I tell them "No, they can't have it". I think they ask to figure out demographics of who's shopping at their stores, but it is still private information and people don't even hesitate before giving it to them. They don't ask "why" anymore. I wonder if, even though people fuss and fight over it, people in general are just being programmed to expect less privacy.
Yeah, I couldn't get to the article either.
But the stores point is an excellent example. Like Kirsten mentioned, stores no longer ask. They just demand this information. As if I could only purchase the shirt once I gave them the information they wanted. My non-confrontational solution--- just give them the wrong zip code. It may not teach them anything, but it makes me feel better.
I have an example from the other side of the retail counter. At my work (at a video store) we have an option to put customers' email address in so that their due dates are sent to their email account and/or they get coupons about 1-2 times a month. At first, I wasn't so sure about how private or efficient this optional service was, so I signed up for it myself. I do not get any more than my due dates and coupons/special offers now and again. This company explicitly informs their customers that they do not ever share their customers' information with other businesses. When I explain this to customers, many do not believe me and assume I'm trying to get them to sign up for something that will fill up their in boxes with spam. I quickly remind them that it is optional and go on setting up their accounts. Some customers do not even want to submit information like their phone number, address, or birth date. We are renting items to them. We have to get a bare minimum of info so we can get them back again! Sometimes you really do need to give out some information or you just need to stop using services that require your information.
By no means stop asking why!! Also, ask if it will be shared with anyone else. Be reasonable. If that person can't answer your question or does not give you a good enough answer, don't give your information. If they ask for something you don't want to give out, either don't give it or do not use their services.
Speaking of retailers asking for information...A certain home furnishing store with the initials PB sold personal information to another store. After my sister started receiving catalogs from this other company she called them up and demanded that they told her how they got her information. They said they purchased it from PB. That ended one phone call, but began a tongue lashing and a life long boycott of the store.
Yes my sister takes drastic measures, but she takes her privacy seriously. She wants to shop and be left alone. Such a simple want...that will never happen.
There is irony to the fact that most of us learned to appreciate our own privacy as small children but seem to find it harder to obtain as adults. Stores have definitely gotten worse about asking for information. Rewards cards are another aspect of this, as they can track your purchases for research. I use them to save money, but the principle does bother me. Selling people's information is even worse, but it happens too often. Somedays, you can feel like you have gotten trapped in a winding web of corporations bothering you with solicitations. Overall, I think Kirsten is correct that people are becoming accustomed to expect less privacy than before. I know I have decided certain battles are not worth my time or energy, but the trend is troubling.
It is a matter of privacy, but one we can control. If we don't want to give out information we don't have to. The only thing I give is my zip code because that can be used to determine project development in the area where I live. It can also be used to determine demographics.
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