Information+Privacy


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=Information privacy=

The use of the internet and online services has grown rapidly over the years and because of this trend more personal information is readily available. Many people use the internet daily for their everyday errands such as online banking, online shopping, online forums, clubs and for many other activities as well. These activities in particular usually require personal information such as your name, address, credit card/bank account number, telephone number and other pieces of personal identification. The issue surrounding personal information online is if one’s personal information is protected and remains private among the association and the person associated with the organization. This by large remains to be an issue whenever personal information is required over the internet because people are always hesitant as to whether someone they have not permitted has access to their personal information.

There are several ways in which personal information could potentially be leaked to others by electronic tracking devices. Cookies, spyware, and web bugs are the most common forms of electronic tracking devices. These tracking devices can collect information such as ISP addresses, online purchases, keep track of the emails sent and etc. (Media Awareness Network 2006)

For example, in regards to online banking, many banks have taken the extra precaution to protect their clients’ security by encrypting transactions that are made online. Once the information is transferred from your computer only the receiver can obtain and retrieve the data which would be the bank. (How Safe is It to Bank Online 2001)

**Laws to Enforce Privacy**
There are also many laws that have been implemented to protect the collection and the use of personal information. In Canada we have the Federal Privacy Act which was established in 1983. We also have The //Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act// (PIPEDA). These acts have been reinforced to reassure and protect the citizens against the improper use and collection of their personal information. (Media Awareness Network 2006)

**Bibliography**
"How Safe is It to Bank Online?" 2001. 8 Nov. 2006 <[|http://www.tinhat.com/banking/online_banking.html>.]

Media Awareness Network. "How Information Privacy is Compromised." __Media Awareness Network__. 2006. 8 Nov. 2006 <[|http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/privacy/compromised_privacy.cfm>.]