In the News

Data misuse continues to be a heated conversation in the news. In Google tries to calm controversy over app developers having access to your Gmail, Nick Slatt discusses how common a practice it is to allow outside parties to view user email data–and how many people are unaware of it. He notes that Google provides tips on ways to better secure your email content, but notably does not indicate that Google will end the practice.

Our Take

We often think of data security in terms of the capacity for personal information to fall into the wrong hands, but of equal concern is the tendency for that information to be sold or shared voluntarily by the companies we entrust it to without our explicit consent. App developers often look for opportunities to make their products more responsive to our interests and less obviously intrusive in the way they request information about those interests, which normally translates to apps that are more useful and enjoyable for the end user.  However, when the mechanisms behind this convenience are brought to our direct attention, it’s easy to become uncomfortable with the depth and breadth of information that is available about us for use without our knowledge. Google’s indirect response provides users with tips to better secure their information from attackers, but not much detail on how to better manage our privacy in the face of Big Tech.

Recommendations

• Always read the terms and conditions of an account prior to accepting them
• Utilize the privacy tools available through your email and other service providers:  pay special attention to default settings that share data with advertisers and other third parties
• Always use encryption when handling sensitive information and if possible, only transfer highly sensitive information in person