Privacy at a Price

By Sharon S. Schwartzman

We Americans insist on our claim to privacy as essentially an inalienable right–witness the countless related laws and safeguards. Yet we're schizophrenic in privacy's application–just look at our fascination with celebrity gossip.

As convoluted as our application of privacy mores has been, it's growing in complexity with the advent of more sophisticated technologies. One of the ramifications of technology has been a redefinition of privacy that is ongoing and still has not achieved any clarity–and we may find it never does.

Take, for instance, the BlackBerry dilemma surrounding President Obama. His usage of the device raised e-mail security concerns, not to mention the Presidential Records Act, which makes his correspondence grist for the official record, public review, and the threat of subpoenas. The issue was solved for now by getting the approval of the National Security Agency, limiting his messaging to senior staff and friends, and having advanced security in the device. So, one of the most powerful people on earth has less PDA privacy and freedom than us regular folks.

On other fronts, social networking sites are, to quote Kafka, "a remarkable piece of apparatus." Participants share all kinds of personal details or photos with "friends" who have been granted access–a communications coup. However, despite privacy-control refinements, concerns still are heard that such sites may provide too much of a good thing. For example, these sites are on employers' radar, and that hilarious Animal House-reminiscent college photo potentially might cost a job.

Similarly, while telematics and the availability of "pay-as-you-go" auto insurance products seemingly offer a fair way to charge customers–optimally saving them money–privacy concerns have slowed adoption (for more, see "Spinning Their Wheels," p. 12). So, while some people don't shy away from posting revealing photos or sharing personal data to get an online marketing freebie, they balk at an insurer knowing when they go to the doughnut shop. Human nature is funny, isn't it?

Given the schizophrenia, do people care about privacy? The answer is yes, no, and maybe. With medical or other personal records, the answer is yes. With such civil liberties as having the right to make a fool of oneself, the answer is no. When the issue touches the wallet, the answer is maybe–the question then becomes how much is privacy worth.

And that inconsistency is OK, as long as people recognize the implications of their actions. However, it's doubtful most average consumers have any real inkling as to how much information already is being circulated about them and how that is being accomplished. Certainly, people need to learn all of technology's benefits, but it's just fair play they are made aware when there's a price.