Privacy concerns are becoming more of a public interest these days. There are heated debates over the issue like it was never before. For more than twenty years, privacy regulations have protected citizens. But times have changed, they ought to be revised. New developments in information technology have enabled people to be more at home with it. As a result, some businesses have discovered how they can make profit out of consumer information.

The expansion of user-friendly online environment has attracted users to communicate data more easily. On the other hand, this data can also be used by those who know how to make money out of it. Monitoring internet actions has enabled some companies to gain benefit, but for the detriment of owners of data.

Existing privacy regulations are already outdated. This adds to the intricacy of the subject. These laws have not grown together with information technology. IT has grown in, leaps and bounds, while regulations have remained old and out of date. There are many loopholes in the protection of users’ privacy. These data can be easily seen by almost everyone. While organizations would want to uphold privacy, they are incapacitated to do so by regulations that are inapplicable.

Facebook and Twitter as social networking companies hold so much individual data. This host of info provided by their surfers is the responsibility of these companies. It is their obligation to guard them by keeping them confidential. With the condition of privacy laws, these firms can be compelled to let loose of these data. This is true particularly if it is government’s protocol. It is in this situation that conflicts of interest emerge and can be detrimental to both parties.

Companies that used to compete with each other have now joined hands to call for revision. Quite a few camps have pushed for the revision of these laws and regulations. Big names in the internet industry have jointly called for law revisions. On the side of the government, some have spoken on the need for urgent changes. Privacy regulations have to be tailored to the present needs. The year 2011 will surely mark the implementation of new regulations for the benefit of those who need them. Timeliness and relevance need to become the earmarks of today’s privacy laws.

If you aren’t sure that our Internet privacy laws protect you, you might want to consider surfing with an anonymous proxy surf tool to change your Internet identity.

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