Jordan Jones - ITS3210 - Current Events 5 - 20231124
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Baker College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
3210
Subject
Information Systems
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
6
Uploaded by ChancellorTank13027
1
The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Stance on Digital Privacy: An Analysis and Personal
Reflection
Jordan K. Jones
ITS 3210 Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Technology
Mr. Milton
November 24, 2023
2
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), founded in 1990, is a prominent nonprofit
organization that is committed to safeguarding civil liberties within the realm of digital
technology (Fossen & Sorgner, 2019). The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) prioritizes
digital privacy as one of its numerous activities, campaigning for the preservation of individual
rights, autonomy, and security (About EFF, 2022). This study aims to examine the Electronic
Frontier Foundation's (EFF) stance on the matter of digital privacy, thoroughly analyzing its
fundamental principles and ongoing projects. In the following discourse, I shall proceed to offer
a subjective introspection regarding my stance on the aforementioned standpoint.
EFF's Approach to Digital Privacy
Autonomy, Anonymity, and Security
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) adopts a fundamental stance on digital privacy,
focusing on empowering individuals to traverse the digital realm without undue surveillance
(EFF, 2022). The organization advocates for the ideals of anonymity and security, placing
emphasis on the inherent right of individuals to live a life devoid of intrusive surveillance. This
entails safeguarding the rights of free association and expression, but also taking into account
valid law enforcement considerations.
Legal Safeguards
The Electronic Frontier Foundation contends that it is imperative for both national and
local governments to establish legislative safeguards in order to mitigate the potential for the
misuse of governmental authority (Obar, 2022). Furthermore, it is emphasized by scholars the
significance of international organizations taking into account the influence of evolving technical
landscapes on the optimal strategies employed by security agencies.
3
Illustrative Initiatives
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has implemented a range of projects aimed at
promoting and advocating for its position on digital privacy (Smith & Guzik, 2022).
Promoting Medical Digital Privacy: The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has been
actively engaged in advocating for the protection of medical digital privacy, acknowledging the
need of preserving the confidentiality of personal health data (Cendic, 2020).
Illegal Data Sharing Leads to Targeting of Asian Americans: The act of engaging in
unauthorized data sharing results in the targeted profiling of individuals of Asian descent. The
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) underscores the discriminatory implications that may arise
from privacy breaches in light of cases involving illicit data exchange that result in the targeting
of specific ethnic groups (Lux & Shackelford, 2020).
Highlighting Student and Youth Privacy: Examining the Importance of Safeguarding the
Privacy of Students and Youth EFF seeks to increase awareness regarding the significance of
privacy in educational environments, acknowledging the susceptibility of students and young
individuals in the digital realm (Anderson, 2020).
My Perspective
For many reasons that demonstrate the EFF's dedication to protecting individual liberties
in a digitalizing world, I find myself in accord with the EFF's position on digital privacy. The
core value of autonomy that EFF advocates for is deeply congruent with the guiding concept of
protecting people's rights. In the present digital era, personal data is frequently considered as a
commodity, susceptible to exploitation for many objectives. By defending autonomy, EFF acts as
a sentinel against the loss of personal liberties. Maintaining a democratic and fair society in
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
which people are free to move around the digital world without arbitrary restriction depends
critically on people's ability to protect their own autonomy. In addition, the fact that EFF
recognizes real law enforcement concerns reveals a nuanced and balanced stance. The group is
aware of the need of protecting individuals' personal information while also acknowledging the
challenges posed by guaranteeing public safety. Since both private rights and security
imperatives are crucial to the smooth operation of any society, it is crucial that privacy advocates
and law enforcement maintain an open line of communication. To strike this balance, EFF
presents itself as a strong supporter of all-encompassing measures that protect personal privacy
while also addressing legitimate security issues. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) takes
a position on digital privacy that is consistent with the necessity for institutionalized regulation
of the internet. In order to avoid the misuse of surveillance authorities, calls have been made for
more specific legislative frameworks. The need for legal protections increases in a
technologically advanced world to ensure responsibility and avoid unwanted intrusions into
people's personal life. To ensure that technological progress is backed by a strong legal
framework that safeguards individual rights, EFF has pledged to advocate for legislative reforms,
reflecting a forward-looking approach to digital governance.
I fully endorse the EFF's position on digital privacy after looking more closely at their
particular activities. Given the rapid growth of healthcare technology, it is encouraging to see
efforts made to protect patient privacy online. Since maintaining patient privacy is crucial to
building confidence in healthcare institutions, this project demonstrates EFF's dedication to this
issue. The expansion of linked medical data highlights the need of EFF's work to create and
sustain digital privacy in the medical field. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's (EFF) reaction
to the use of illicit data sharing to target certain ethnic groups exemplifies the organization's
5
commitment to fighting discriminatory behaviors made possible by privacy breaches. The overall
mission of making the internet a more welcoming and equitable place is perfectly in step with
this endeavor. By addressing the disproportionate effect of privacy breaches on various
populations, EFF actively works towards eradicating systematic prejudices within the digital
ecosystem. Furthermore, EFF's emphasis on student and youth privacy demonstrates a forward-
looking approach to digital rights activism. EFF's projects reflect its commitment to fostering a
more secure digital future by educating the public about the special risks faced by these groups.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is committed to a future in which everyone has the
right to privacy online by educating young people about their rights in the digital realm. In
conclusion, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has earned my support for their stance on
digital privacy because they take a comprehensive approach to the issue, one that strikes a fair
balance between individual rights and the legitimate concerns of law enforcement, one that
advocates for legal safeguards and one that actively engages in initiatives to address specific
challenges within the digital landscape. We need more groups like EFF if we're going to have a
digital future that values privacy, diversity, and fairness in an increasingly linked world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Electronic Frontier Foundation's (EFF) position on digital privacy
displays a deep familiarity with the nuances of individual rights, security concerns, and the ever-
changing digital reality. For these reasons, as well as because it strikes a reasonable balance
between privacy and other rights, I agree with EFF's stance. Organizations like EFF are crucial in
pushing for and protecting people's rights and freedoms at a time when the digital sphere plays
an ever-increasing role in our daily lives.
6
References
About EFF. (2022, November 14). Electronic Frontier Foundation.
https://www.eff.org/about
Anderson, K. E. (2020). Getting acquainted with social networks and apps: privacy during
pandemic and protest. Library Hi Tech News, 37(10), 5-10.
Cendic, K. (2020). Children’s rights to privacy in times of emergency: The case of Serbia in
relation to internet education technologies.
Fossen, F., & Sorgner, A. (2019). Mapping the future of occupations: transformative and
destructive effects of new digital technologies on jobs. Форсайт, 13(2 (eng)), 10-18.
Lux, M., & Shackelford, M. (2020). The New Frontier of Consumer Protection: Financial Data
Privacy and Security. Harvard Kennedy School Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business
and Government.
Obar, J. A. (2022). Defining and assessing data privacy transparency: A third study of Canadian
internet carriers. International Journal of Communication, 16, 25.
Smith, K. L., & Guzik, E. (2022). Developing Privacy Extensions: Is it Advocacy through the
Web Browser?. Surveillance & Society, 20(1), 64-81.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation. (n.d.). EFF’s 2022 annual report. EFF’s 2022 Annual
Report.
https://annualreport.eff.org/
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help