The Internet, surveillance, and privacy. Information privacy is an important policy and social consideration.
Today, the vast majority of Canadian households have Internet connections. [1] As technologies have improved to allow corporations, law enforcement, and others to gather information and monitor activities online, media reports about violations or breaches of privacy are more and more frequent: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that over 17,000 Canadians were victims of identity fraud in 2011, with total losses of more than $13 million.While attempting to find evidence in regards to a sexual harassment claim, a Calgary Police security and technical expert illegally accessed a civilian employee’s personal email. [2]Over 12,000 current and former employees at the University of Victoria had their personal information compromised when an unprotected USB key containing their full names, social insurance numbers, and financial information was stolen. [3] Privacy is also important for the development of youth.
Advertising, marketing, and consumerism and children/youth online. Children and youth are a huge potential market for corporations.
CBS News reported that, in 2007, companies spent almost $17 billion marketing to children. [1] In 2011, meanwhile, EPM Communications found that the 13- to 19-year-old cohort of American teens possessed approximately $200 billion of buying power, making them a significant market for advertisers and corporations. [2] The Internet provides advertisers access to this market in a whole new way. Find Lessons & Resources.