I’ve never been convinced by the “Why worry about privacy if you have nothing to hide?” argument. It seems to me privacy is a virtue worth protecting in and of itself. I always think about the bathroom door argument. I want to shit in peace. No, I can’t explain to you exactly why, but on some level the ability to do that has value in and of itself. I don’t need someone breaking down the door and then demanding I explain myself, and telling me things like “it’s not an issue” or “it’s not like somebody wants to steal from your home.”
Example: I love my husband, but I don’t need to take out my phone and check if he’s on his way home, or had to take the long way around because of roadwork, or had a bad day and has stopped by the dispensary. There’s no way that’s not creepy to me, sorry. Conversely, he doesn’t need to know that I’ve been struggling with money lately, so I stopped by Walmart for those pretty flowers.
Also consider that by sharing your location data, you are sharing your data with a nefarious third party who is using that data for things like targeted advertising, and likely with state agencies that may not have your best interests in mind.
While I’m aware there is no way to be truly private online, I do believe this community is about people who are concerned about this and are not just rolling over while the attacks on our privacy advance. I am especially invested in privacy as a LGBT+ person whose country is rapidly descending into fascism. I am invested as a feminist who cares about women’s rights to their own bodily autonomy and healthcare. I am invested as a transgender ally who wants trans kids and adults to receive the acceptance and care that they need. Even if I didn’t personally feel invested in matters of privacy (I do), I would hope that I’d pursue the trend nevertheless for the well-being of others.
I’ve never been convinced by the “Why worry about privacy if you have nothing to hide?” argument. It seems to me privacy is a virtue worth protecting in and of itself. I always think about the bathroom door argument. I want to shit in peace. No, I can’t explain to you exactly why, but on some level the ability to do that has value in and of itself. I don’t need someone breaking down the door and then demanding I explain myself, and telling me things like “it’s not an issue” or “it’s not like somebody wants to steal from your home.”
Example: I love my husband, but I don’t need to take out my phone and check if he’s on his way home, or had to take the long way around because of roadwork, or had a bad day and has stopped by the dispensary. There’s no way that’s not creepy to me, sorry. Conversely, he doesn’t need to know that I’ve been struggling with money lately, so I stopped by Walmart for those pretty flowers.
Also consider that by sharing your location data, you are sharing your data with a nefarious third party who is using that data for things like targeted advertising, and likely with state agencies that may not have your best interests in mind.
While I’m aware there is no way to be truly private online, I do believe this community is about people who are concerned about this and are not just rolling over while the attacks on our privacy advance. I am especially invested in privacy as a LGBT+ person whose country is rapidly descending into fascism. I am invested as a feminist who cares about women’s rights to their own bodily autonomy and healthcare. I am invested as a transgender ally who wants trans kids and adults to receive the acceptance and care that they need. Even if I didn’t personally feel invested in matters of privacy (I do), I would hope that I’d pursue the trend nevertheless for the well-being of others.