Social Media and Privacy: Essay Phase

Title: The Importance of Obtaining Explicit Consent for the Collection and Use of Personal Data on Social Media

I.A. Introduction: The use of social media platforms has become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. We use it for communication, entertainment, and even to share our personal experiences. However, the issue of privacy on social media has raised concerns over the collection and usage of personal data by these platforms. While some argue that sharing personal information is necessary for the platform's functionality and advertising purposes, I believe that the collection and usage of personal data without explicit consent is a violation of privacy rights.

I.B. Argument: Should social media companies be able to collect users data without more explicit permission? I say that social media platforms should not collect and use personal data without explicit consent because it is a violation of privacy rights. Users have the right to control their personal information and should be able to choose what information they want to share. One might object that collecting personal data is necessary for the platform's functionality and targeted advertising, which can benefit both the user and the platform. I reply that while targeted advertising may be beneficial, it is not worth compromising the user's privacy. Moreover, social media platforms can still function without the need to collect personal data, as evidenced by some privacy-focused alternatives that do not collect or share user data. In addition, the use of personal data by these platforms can lead to potential misuse and abuse by third-party companies or even the platform itself, leading to negative consequences such as identity theft or data breaches. Therefore, it is crucial that social media platforms respect and prioritize their user's privacy by obtaining explicit consent before collecting and using personal data.

II.A. Body: To begin with, social media platforms have been collecting user data for years without explicit consent, using it to generate revenue through targeted advertising. However, this practice has raised ethical and legal concerns regarding the use of personal data without user's consent. It is crucial to understand that user's personal data such as location, browsing history, and search queries are sensitive and should only be collected with the user's consent. The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates that platforms obtain explicit consent from users before collecting and using their data.[footnoteRef:1] This regulation ensures that users have control over their data and are aware of how their information is being used. [1: Hoofnagle, Chris Jay, Bart Van Der Sloot, and Frederik Zuiderveen Borgesius. "The European Union general data protection regulation: what it is and what it means."Information & Communications Technology Law28.1 (2019): 65-98.]

Social media companies do not need to harvest users data as they can function and survive without it. For example, privacy-focused social media platforms such as Mastodon and Diaspora have gained popularity by offering alternatives to traditional social media platforms that collect user data. These platforms are designed to prioritize user privacy by not collecting or sharing user data with third-party companies.

Moreover, harvesting data opens the door for abuses. Indeed, social media platforms' targeted advertising practices have raised concerns over the use of personal data to influence user behavior. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where the political consulting firm harvested data from millions of Facebook users without their consent to influence political outcomes, is a stark example of how data can be misused. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize user's privacy rights to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Plus, social media platforms have been accused of selling user data to third-party companies without user's...

…control over their personal information, and their privacy should be prioritized over the platform's revenue generation. The potential risks and negative consequences of data misuse and abuse outweigh the benefits of targeted advertising.

III.A. In conclusion, social media platforms have an ethical and legal obligation to prioritize user privacy and obtain explicit consent before collecting and using personal data. Users have the right to control their personal information and should be informed about how their data is being used. Privacy-focused alternatives have shown that it is possible to provide social media services without compromising user privacy. It is crucial for social media platforms to adopt similar privacy-focused policies, implement stronger security measures, and prioritize user privacy to ensure that user's privacy rights are protected.

III.B. This is important because privacy matters. What would happen if everyone gave up the right to privacy? No one would be safe or secure in his own person. Social media platforms should prioritize their users' privacy rights by obtaining explicit consent before collecting and using personal data. Users have the right to control their personal information, and social media platforms should respect and prioritize their privacy. While targeted advertising may be beneficial, it does not outweigh the importance of user privacy. Obtaining explicit consent ensures that users are aware of the data being collected and how it is being used, allowing them to make an informed decision about whether or not to share their data. Social media platforms have a responsibility to their users to protect their privacy rights, and obtaining explicit consent is a necessary step towards achieving this goal. If they do not recognize their duty, people the world over could wake up to find themselves without any rights whatsoever. It is always one slippery slope away from slavery and loss of personal sovereignty.

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