Europeans and Americans are different. We’re different in our language, our food, and how we deal with technology and privacy. Here’s another example about the relationship between Europeans and privacy.
There is a group called the Article 29 Working Party. The issue, among others, is device fingerprinting, like the ones offered in newer Apple phones. They declare that this app, and all other apps that can gather info about a user, should be scrutinized with the same level as cookies, which can track users across the Internet. For now, fingerprinting isn’t under the same strict constraint as cookies. In Europe, companies must ask for consent before applying bits of information on people’s computers for settings and identity purposes. The cookies legislation has only been in place since 2012. But Article 29 Working Party is already lobbying for legislation to protect privacy for fingerprint use, even if it means going from country to country and the European Union.
That’s the situation between Europeans and privacy. Americans aren’t there yet, but we’re getting there. But prior to the NSA scandal of 2013, not too many Americans cared? about online privacy. Immediately following Edward Snowden’s revelations, Americans took to the streets insisting their 4th Amendment rights and other privacy rights be protected. Now there’s the issue of net neutrality. So this is a start. I’d like to see an organized party like Article 29 going to Washington to ensure our privacy rights are being respected. I’m optimistic this will happen, and in some cases, it already is. How can we improve the relationship between Americans and privacy?