In an emerging world where personal data from internet users is becoming increasingly important, it is now of a great importance to find out the role of privacy. To what extent should internet users allow companies and governments to use their personal data?
During my research I wanted to answer the following question: What kind of invisible methods do data-brokers use for collecting personal information from internet users? I believe our online privacy is under pressure and it is important that companies become more transparent in how our personal information is being collected and used. The problem is not that all the personal information from internet users is being collected though - the problem is that internet users have no sight on or control over the way their personal information is being used.
DataCamouflage
During my research I looked for a way how internet users could make their personal information unreadable to data-brokers, who make a business out of trading it. You give the data-brokers access to your personal information the moment you enter the internet. With a so-called tracking cookies data-brokers are able to track the online behavior of internet users. The awareness regarding the limited privacy we have online is increasing, but still there are almost no options to prevent your information being shared. Every time you visit a website you have to accept cookies to gain full access to it. Therefore I believe it is time to do something about this and take control of our personal information.
With my product DataCamouflage you will able to make your personal information unreadable to data-brokers. It works like a plug-in added to your browser. The programme camouflages your personal information for data-brokers, in this way you can protect your personal information and furthermore you will be sending a message to data-brokers to be more open and transparent in how and for what purpose your personal information is being used.
View Stephanie's other work here.
