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Nicholai Martinsen
CST 300 Writing Lab
30 January 2024
Digital Privacy and Data Collection

Introduction/Background

In our present society, internet usage is virtually ubiquitous, and online data collection,

cross-site tracking, and monitoring have become commonplace. Websites and platforms store all

of the data they generate through people utilizing their digital services. This data is primarily

utilized for profit, through direct sales or to facilitate targeted advertisements (Freedman, 2023).

The data can also improve the platform by analyzing usage and determining what would improve

user experience.

When using or signing up for services, which can involve creating an account or simply

accessing a website, users often consent to the collection and usage of their data, whether they

are aware of it or not. Facebook collects GPS data from all devices depending on permissions

granted (Thompson, 2015). By agreeing to terms of service, individuals give up their rights to

their data. While companies may argue that data collection is necessary in order to provide the

best experience for users, consumer privacy protection groups express concern over the rise of

data collection and tracking that has grown with the industry. The stark difference in values

between companies and privacy advocates has led to greatly differing opinions on what is the

morally right thing to do.

History of the Issue

The internet age marked the beginning of online data collection, which has grown

exponentially over the years. Initially, landscape with limited data exchange. However, the

advent and proliferation of social media platforms and increased online accounts and services

have led to a deluge of data. On top of this, as our technology has grown, the potential for
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collecting and storing data has grown even more. Storage space and processing power have

grown, costing less than ever. As of the beginning of 2024, there are 4.95 billion social media

users. The majority of these users are either Gen Z or millennials. An individual belonging to

either the Gen Z or the millennial generation has an average of 8.5 social media accounts

(Shewale, 2024). Each of these accounts, on different platforms, is subject to the data collection

that the company deems adequate and necessary. Personal information, once considered private,

is now less so, creating potential dangers for those unaware of the extent of such tracking.

Stakeholder Analysis

Two opposing sides to this issue are consumer privacy protection groups and companies

that collect consumer data. There are also individuals who are concerned and mindful of online

privacy, who can be grouped along with consumer privacy protection groups. Consumer privacy

protection groups have sprung up due to companies collecting online data. Many companies and

corporations have incorporated data collection and analysis into their core functionality. Social

media platforms are built on user data.

Stakeholder 1: Consumer privacy protection groups

Values: Consumer privacy protection groups are concerned with protecting people’s

privacy. People inherently seek convenience, safety, and privacy. Privacy is often unwittingly

compromised in pursuit of convenience, a trade-off many do not fully appreciate until it's too

late. While physical privacy is valued and safeguarded through tangible means like fences and

curtains, digital privacy, which is equally critical, often receives less attention. Given the public

nature of online interactions, this oversight can lead to significant consequences.

Position: The assertion that everyone has a right to privacy forms the bedrock of

arguments against invasive data collection practices. This principle underscores the belief that
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harvesting personal data without fully informed consent violates individual privacy rights.

Companies still fail to comply even with laws in place for protecting children. YouTube ads were

found to have contributed to the online tracking of children, even though there are already laws

in place that are supposed to protect minors (Grant et al., 2023). Consumer privacy protection

groups favor having protections in place not only for minors but for everyone who uses the

internet.

Claims: Consumer privacy protection groups are focused on protecting people’s privacy.

A claim of policy is the best way to ensure people are protected through regulations put in place.

Policies that limit or stop certain kinds of data collection are essential to safeguarding consumer

privacy in the digital age. Consumer privacy protection groups advocate for a claim of policy

that establishes comprehensive regulations, aiming to strike a balance between technological

advancements and individual rights. Data collection practices that go unchecked put users in

danger. User safety and privacy can be prioritized with certain policies in place.

Stakeholder 2 - Companies and Corporations

Values: The primary objective for companies and corporations is profit maximization and

overall growth. Various strategies are employed towards this end, but the underlying goal

remains consistent: revenue generation. If a company cannot generate enough revenue, it simply

cannot exist. There must be enough revenue to cover costs and pay the people in charge of

running the company. A monetary incentive is a key motivation for running a business in the first

place.

Position: Companies argue that data collection is essential for service enhancement and

that users consent to this by agreeing to terms of service. This consent, they claim, legitimizes

their data-tracking practices. On top of this, providing the users with a better experience is
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important, which is why the data collection is necessary. Data is used to improve platforms based

on analysis of the user data (Freedman, 2023). Companies want as much data as needed to fulfill

their growth and profit goals; in most cases, more data is better.

Claims: Through claims of fact and definition, companies justify their data practices. The

terms of service, often detailed and complex, outline the extent of data collection, forming a legal

basis for their actions. It is a fact that users agree to certain terms by accessing and using these

platforms. By definition, when a user says, “I agree,” they are giving consent to whatever is

written in the terms of service and privacy policies. Whether they take the time to read it does

not matter, what matters is that they are given the option to do so and determine if they want to

use the service.

Argument Question

On one hand, people’s digital privacy is an important matter and needs to be protected.

On the other hand, people are using these services voluntarily, and companies need to make a

profit to exist. Should there be regulations and policies put in place to protect individuals from

data collection and online tracking?

Stakeholder Argument

Stakeholder 1 - Consumer privacy protection groups

Care ethics, or ethics of care, is about relationships. When considering the effect of an

action, it is most important to consider the impact in more immediate social circles or

relationships (Sander-Staudt, n.d.). This ethical framework originated from Carol Gilligan.

Earlier philosophers touched on the subject, but Gilligan was the first major proponent of care

ethics. Not everyone is treated equally since ethical obligations vary depending on the closeness

of the relationship between people.

Given the vast and complex digital landscape, the burden of online privacy should not

disproportionately fall on individuals. Regulations and limits are essential to alleviate this

burden, ensuring individuals do not bear the brunt of protecting their privacy. The ethical

framework of Care Ethics, emphasizing the well-being of those we have close relationships with,

supports this stance. In this context, the good of regular people should be prioritized. The

government, as the care-giver, should create laws and regulations that protect its citizens. Due to

the closeness of the relationship between the government and its people, it has a greater

obligation to the people than to the corporations.

Choosing to enact certain regulations that protect everyday users of technology is the

right thing to do since it will greatly contribute to the good of the people. Companies can still

generate enough revenue without collecting data to the point of compromising individual

privacy. While companies may not be able to profit as much, the trade-off is worth it and the

ethical choice to make.

If the outcome were to be the creation of more regulation on data collection, then

consumers would not have to be worried when signing up for new services or creating accounts

online. Consumer quality of life is maximized by having the convenience of technology without

the drawbacks of surrendering all big data to the company. Without regulation, companies are

free to do what they please with data. They can collect and track individuals as much as they

want, which can lead to people having personal data leaked through breaches or having data sold

and used against them.

Stakeholder 2 - Companies

Ethical Egoism originated from philosopher Henry Sidgwick in 1874 when he wrote his

book, The Methods of Ethics. It states that individuals should act in their own self-interest and
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well-being. This means that actions focusing on one’s well-being are morally correct, and doing

otherwise is wrong (Moseley, n.d.). With this framework, pursuing one’s self-interest can directly

conflict with someone else. Resolving conflicts through cooperation or avoiding conflict

altogether can be the correct choice, however, when in certain cases fighting would be harmful to

oneself and therefore act against self-interest.

From the companies' perspective, their autonomy in running their businesses, including

data collection for profit, is paramount. The Ethical Egoism framework, advocating for actions

that benefit oneself, aligns with this viewpoint. This perspective posits that maximizing profits

and company growth justifies their data practices. Compromising and agreeing to some

regulations is also not in the companies' best interest since they have more resources and can

easily overpower the opposition. Drafting lengthy terms of use agreements is one way that

companies can expend some resources to cover themselves and maximize potential.

Choosing to regulate and limit data collection would hinder a company's potential for

profit and growth. Profit and growth are some of the core values of a company. As a result,

companies are going to be strongly against rules and regulations that can have a direct and

negative impact on their

Student Position

There is a pressing need for more stringent regulations to protect individual privacy

online. The responsibility for privacy should not rest solely on individuals, especially when

companies have the resources to manipulate or exploit user data. Complex and lengthy terms of

service agreements, often overlooked by users, underscore the power imbalance between

individuals and corporations. The priority should be the well-being of individuals, necessitating a

shift in how companies are allowed to collect and use personal data. Currently, companies use
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data not only for profit through advertising but also to take advantage of people based on

psychological analysis. Through simulations and models, companies can predict human behavior

and capitalize on it (Ward, 2019). People are being taken advantage of without realizing it.

People are having their money and life sucked away because these companies know exactly what

buttons to push to capture attention or enact impulsive behavior.

My position aligns with consumer privacy protection groups. There should be laws and

regulations in place that protect people. It is entirely unfair to expect every individual to take full

responsibility for digital privacy, when entire companies have an exorbitant amount of resources

to act solely for their interests. It is not necessarily wrong that companies are acting in their own

self-interest, but the fact that it is in direct conflict with the good of the people is where the

situation needs attention.

I recommend that more protections are put in place regarding terms of service

agreements. Currently, clicking accept often lets a company take as much data as they want to

use however they want since it is outlined in the terms. People rarely read the fine print, which

means companies only do this to avoid legal trouble. Instead, there should be more protections

that make it impossible for certain amounts or types of data to be collected or used in certain

ways. This way, even if people do not read the full terms and conditions, it would limit the

potential dangers. Some data is still necessary for some services to function, and it is important

to recognize that. However, the current state of data collection is excessive and detrimental to the

general public.
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References

Freedman, M. (n.d.). Businesses are collecting data. how are they using it?. Business News

Daily. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10625-businesses-collecting-data.html

Grant, N., Singer, N., & Krolik, A. (2023, August 17). YouTube ads may have led to online

tracking of children, research says. The New York Times.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/17/technology/youtube-google-children-privacy.html

Moseley, A. (n.d.). Egoism. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

https://iep.utm.edu/egoism/#H4

Shewale, R. (2024, February 11). Social media users and statistics for 2024 (latest data).

DemandSage. https://www.demandsage.com/social-media-users/

Sander-Staudt, M. (n.d.). Care Ethics. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

https://iep.utm.edu/care-ethics/#H12

Thompson, C. (2015, May 27). What you really sign up for when you use Social Media. CNBC.

https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/20/what-you-really-sign-up-for-when-you-use-social-me

dia.html

Ward, J. (2019, February 4). Data, not privacy, is the real danger. NBCNews.com.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/why-data-not-privacy-real-danger-n96

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