This week’s topic, metadata, was a new concept for me. I did not know what metadata was or that this type of information existed. Reading about it really shocked me. I am going to focus on the article and video from ACLU. The video is what really interested me because the tone and voice of the students perceived metadata as a good thing. However, I was in shock to learn what metadata actually is and how your whole life can actually be mapped out. For starters, I disagree with the police, as they state “metadata isn’t all that revealing, it’s just numbers”. Clearly, from the presentation, those two students were about to check timing, connections, links, and patterns of information. This to me seems like it is interfering with our privacy rights, although it also seems as if information is being hidden from the general public about what metadata can actually show. You shouldn’t be able to track someone’s life without a warrant. To me its equivalent to getting a person’s medical record chart without permission. Another thing to think about is that like I have previously stated, it is common knowledge, that whatever we put online, is at your own risk. My personal opinion is metadata should be restricted, meaning, unless there is a warrant or YOU want to track your life for self-reflection, then it should not be accessible by anyone.
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I completely agree with you; I was also in awe to find out in such details how meta data actually works. And by trying it out with an old email that I had, I realized that if it was done by someone else that person will be privy to so much personal information and connections that I have made within the years. Additionally, to think that it is legal, does not make sense to me; because it is all someone’s private information.
I also like the example you used about the medical records you are indeed right about that, it is exactly the same.
Do not forget that any information, and specifically metadata is coded. In order to break the code and try to collect some personal information about anyone violators need the key. Same way metadata is not only coded, it is actually placed in chaos. And without understanding of connection order no one can use it. Students’ presentation from the other side was so impressive because they did not use random data but specific one. In other words, they had the answer before the actual question. Police, of course, can and should use metadata in order to prevent crime, but they can’t find leads if you didn’t leave any. Just be smart the way you use the internet and everything will be fine.
Do not forget that any information, and specifically metadata is coded. In order to break the code and try to collect some personal information about anyone violators need the key. Same way metadata is not only coded, it is actually placed in chaos. And without understanding of connection order no one can use it. Students’ presentation from the other side was so impressive because they did not use random data but specific one. In other words, they had the answer before the actual question. Police, of course, can and should use metadata in order to prevent crime, but they can’t find leads if you didn’t leave any. Just be smart the way you use the internet and everything will be fine.