Should Consumers Know How Data Collected about Them Will Be Used?

Function creep occurs when a company uses the technology intended for one purpose for another. One example of function creep is when companies sell customer data collected through sales transactions to businesses that perform marketing surveys or generate credit reports. Privacy advocates are concerned about any use of personal data, including library checkouts, medical records, and more, for purposes other than what the customer intended. Social networking sites and search engines often use activity such as posts, pages viewed, and search terms to suggest sponsored ads. Online vendors argue that the data enables them to provide custom product suggestions. Companies use stored data to streamline ordering processes and to send targeted marketing messages. Some customers acknowledge that a company has the right to use data to enhance the customers experience or to make business decisions. Others would like more control over their data. The FTC Fair Information Practice Principles attempt to address data privacy concerns. These principles state that companies must inform customers of their data use and must allow customers to provide or deny consent. You can attempt to protect your data using a variety of techniques. Browsers often include settings that enable you to limit data tracking. Read privacy policies before you purchase an item from an online vendor, or use a social networking site that informs you of potential ways your data may be used.

Have you experienced examples of a website using your personal data? For what purpose? Do you read a companys data privacy policy before using their website or service? Why or why not? Should the government enforce data privacy laws? Why or why not?