To some, complete privacy is a God-given right, never to be infringed on no matter the reason. To others, a lack of privacy is tolerated because it is used as a security and economic tool. Legally, and also morally, how much “spying” is acceptable? Where is the line between protecting the public and the total invasion of individual privacy? Although most companies say that they use consumer data for the benefit of the consumer, research proves that they are actually profiting off of data unbeknownst to the consumer and actually invading privacy. Consumer data helps companies be more attuned to what the consumer wants to buy, and it helps them to have the product that will meet their needs. Companies don't think that they are invading …show more content…
Acxiom, one of the largest data-brokering firms in the world, Chief Executive Officer Scott Howe states, “I don't think there is a person in the world who wouldn't agree that data generates tremendous value for both people and businesses.” (Morris & Lavandera) Amazon, a highly successful online shopping site, uses data to engage in anticipatory shipping. Amazon says the anticipatory shipping system works by analyzing customer data like, purchasing history, product searches, wish lists and shopping cart contents. According to the patent filing, items would be moved from Amazon's fulfillment center to a shipping hub close to the customer in anticipation of an eventual purchase. (CBS News) In this day and age of instant gratification, Amazon's policy to decrease shipping times greatly benefits its consumers. Facebook and Google also both generate a pleasurable shopping environment for its consumers by participating in a type of anticipatory shopping by presenting ads that are interesting, useful and relevant. They track …show more content…
The lawmakers in America have enacted laws to protect the individual from an invasion of privacy(Jolly). However, the laws are gray and they don't do enough because as technology advances, the protection of privacy becomes more challenging. Modern day companies seem to know your name, your phone number, where you live, your buying habits, and in many cases what you are interested in buying, sometimes even before you do. Acxiom, sometimes described as "the biggest company you've never heard of, but they've heard a lot about you”. It's just one of hundreds of companies who are peering into your personal life, collecting data that is generated from everything you do online, and much of what you do in the real world. The company recorded $1.1 billion in sales last year offering "analytical services" on 144 million households. And that's just a fraction of the evolving -- some say loosely regulated -- big-data industry. Data is now a $300 billion-a-year industry and employs 3 million people in the United States alone, according to the McKinsey Global Institute. (Morris & Lavandera) Companies are invading privacy under the cover of a Samaritan's view of helping the consumer obtain their products quicker and easier. Amazon's anticipatory shipping program