Chapter 0, Problem 4SI

Explanation of Solution

“No”, the company should not be allowed to collect information about child’s buying patterns or about the child without prior permission of the parents. The company should ensure secure mechanism so that personal and private information is protected from hackers and other wrong hands.

Interactive Television:

Interactive television allows everyone in the family to get aware of all sorts of topic ranging from sports, news to entertainment or distance learning sitting in their own living room, at their own pace and in private. Children can learn to read, get information about various study topics and can find the relevant videos and animations at a click.

Impact of Interactive Television on the privacy:

Interactive television could lead to a loss of privacy.

• In home shopping, the company records credit card details to make transactions which include information about family and the buying habits.
• With this information, the company gets to know income, your preferences and can start sending you advertisements through emails and pamphlets regarding products which you may or may not need.
• Many news channels or entertainment channels may be interested in information about television viewing hours, when television is switched off and what are the peak hours of watching television.
• Hackers can get access to family as well as viewing habits and other confidential details.
• Emails, date of birth, place of living and other private details about the person can be intercepted by the hackers...