Tyneria Cobbins Blog

     The industrial age was dependent on technologies that extracted value from the earth, trees, and water. Our age too relies on extractive technologies. However the technologies are not pumps or drills, nor is the substance extracted valued because of its physical properties. The technologies are computers, transmitters, spectrographs and video lens. A major substance extracted is personal information.        The best place to start is with a definition of privacy in the context of technology. The best way to describe privacy in this context is in terms of “restricted access/limited control.” Restricted access means that there is a form of privacy where some people are allowed access and others are not, so a person can stop others from viewing their information if they so choose. It is reasonable to expect the same amount of privacy in these situations that one would have if not using technology. To ensure control over their personal data, individua...

Stalking is generally a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking behavior includes, but is not limited to: following or spying on a person, waiting at places in order to make unwanted contact with the victim or to monitor the victim, leaving unwanted items and gifts for the victim, and posting information or spreading rumors about the victim on the internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth. The Stalking Resource Center was created by the National Center for Victims and the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women in the year of 2000. The Stalking Resource Center mission is to enhance the ability of professionals, organizations, and systems to effectively respond to stalking. Over the  past few years, the incidence of stalking through the use of technology has sharply increased. The act is now referred to as 'cyberstalking,' which refers to the use of the email, internet, and any other e...

 We all have our own individual desires but for those of us that are fighting for a more secure life seem to be in a losing battle. Day by day more and more personal information is being generated through the government and online services. This is not just about damage control or accommodation to “techlash” and consumer frustration. For a while now, events have been changing the way that business interests view the prospect of federal privacy legislation. Most recent proposals for privacy legislation aim at slices of the issues this explosion presents. The Equifax breach produced legislation aimed at data brokers. Responses to the role of Facebook and Twitter in public debate have focused on political ad disclosure, what to do about bots, or limits to online tracking for ads. Most state legislation has targeted specific topics like use of data from ed-tech products, access to social media accounts by employers, and privacy protections from drones. It makes little se...

  Oftentimes, we forget our rights as individuals and especially online. In 1986, the federal law protecting our electronic information was passed. This means that this law was put in place before the World Wide Web was up and running. Yet, technological innovation has outpaced individuals privacy protections. The government argues that the Fourth Amendment protects information that you keep in your desk, but not information that you keep online, like old emails or pictures. Resulting in our digital footprints being tracked by the government and other companies in ways we couldn't even imagine. In order to carry out mass surveillance, the NSA has weakened the security of the communications systems that we all rely on. They care more about watching our every move than the security and safety of those that may want to live a private life. Or what about people running away from situations such as domestic violence, stalking, or any other dangerous situation. With more a...

  Privacy is important no matter who it is or the circumstances. Today I am going to relay some points from Judith Wagner DeCew, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Clark University. Ms.DeCew analyzes current characterizations and surveys the history of the notion of privacy just as it first evolved in American tort law. Through philosophy and various contexts, privacy has been defined on the basis of property, information, and autonomy. Judith made many solid points when providing the philosophical foundation for legal discussions geared towards privacy. Judith articulated various arguments on the right to privacy and why it should be guaranteed. Privacy has  fundamental values that help one find themselves individually. We have a certain level of security against scrutiny and judgement when we're allowed privacy. There are many feminists and advocates that are in the LGBTQ community who view their privacy as a barrier against abuse or hatred. Judith really addresses...

 Although technology has become increasingly popular, it can also have its dangers. Beginning with one's posture, sitting a computer for an extended period of time does damage to the spine and posture. Slouching or slumping down while using devices like phones, tablets, or any other device isn't healthy for our posture. Not only does it affect the posture, but one's eyesight as well. Over usage of technology devices can blur one's vision or cause increased sensitivity to light. College students have to look at a computer screen for a long period of time, especially now that schooling is virtual. Students have to do their homework and most times they wait till the last minute, which tends to be at night. Aside from eyesight damage, using a phone or any other device for too long can lead to insomnia. Staying on your phone late at night can have this effect because one is increasing their alertness at a time when they should still be sleeping. This can also affect the amo...