When it comes to social media companies, remember: You aren't the customer. You're the product. Those firms are collecting all the data about their users they can, so they can sell businesses micro-targeted access to you. Want to avoid some of that? Start with these three steps.
How much privacy are you willing to give up? Imagine a gadget in your den that knows if you're arguing with your spouse. Or a device that blocks an R-rated show when a child enters the room. Based on their patent applications, Microsoft and Verizon have plans for just such technology.
Recently, companies have begun to ask potential employees to hand over their Facebook passwords, and the backlash has been loud, widespread and angry. Too bad we hardly have any online privacy left to save.
Google has agreed to a privacy program -- including independent audits, but no monetary fees -- to settle Federal Trade Commission privacy charges around its Buzz service. Consumer protection groups say the deal isn't strong enough to lead to widespread change.
Soon, the Internet won't be the only medium to offer advertisers the ability to closely target specific types of customers. Starting in August or September, DirecTV plans to launch a new personalized advertising service for television. Can it bring the scope of TV to highly targeted ads?
