Abstract
In today’s digital age, the collection and sale of customer data for advertising is gaining a growing number of ethical concerns. The act of amassing extensive datasets encompassing customer preferences, behaviors, and personal information raises questions of its true purpose. It is widely acknowledged that companies track and store their customer’s digital activities under the pretext of benefiting the customer, but at what cost? Are users aware of how much of their data is being collected? Do they understand the trade-off between personalized services and the potential invasion of their privacy? This paper aims to show the advantages and disadvantages of consumer data commerce. It examines the dynamics between consumers and their dwindling expectation of privacy, taking a dive into the implications of User Agreements and closely analyzing the controversies surrounding it. Possible solutions to address these ethical concerns that can be immediately implemented in today’s practices are also provided.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Phil Mann
Document Type
Paper
Disciplines
Information Security | Other Computer Sciences
DOI
10.25777/j99e-3j54
Publication Date
4-12-2024
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Data Profits vs. Privacy Rights: Ethical Concerns in Data Commerce
In today’s digital age, the collection and sale of customer data for advertising is gaining a growing number of ethical concerns. The act of amassing extensive datasets encompassing customer preferences, behaviors, and personal information raises questions of its true purpose. It is widely acknowledged that companies track and store their customer’s digital activities under the pretext of benefiting the customer, but at what cost? Are users aware of how much of their data is being collected? Do they understand the trade-off between personalized services and the potential invasion of their privacy? This paper aims to show the advantages and disadvantages of consumer data commerce. It examines the dynamics between consumers and their dwindling expectation of privacy, taking a dive into the implications of User Agreements and closely analyzing the controversies surrounding it. Possible solutions to address these ethical concerns that can be immediately implemented in today’s practices are also provided.