The internet, unfortunately, is not a secure space. A significant part of the problem can be attributed to unethical human activity. This essay will examine how unethical human activity is primarily responsible for a lack of privacy and safety on the internet.

With billions of users accessing it daily for a variety of purposes, the internet has established itself as a crucial component of contemporary civilisation. It has unquestionably revolutionised the way we work, live, and communicate, but it has also given rise to a host of privacy and safety-related worries. When you try to mentally compile a list of private information you’re willing to share with total strangers, and that you’d prefer not to, the significance of digital privacy becomes apparent. You certainly don’t want the contents of your shopping cart, your bank statements, or even your medical information to be publicly known. Another factor that contributes to the lack of privacy and safety on the internet is the complexity of the technology itself. The internet is a vast and complex system made up of multiple interconnected networks, protocols, and devices. The sheer scale and complexity of the internet make it difficult to ensure that it is safe and secure for everyone. While some aspects of the internet are relatively easy to secure, others are much more challenging, such as protecting against distributed denial-of-service attacks, which can be launched from anywhere in the world.

Firstly, the unethical acquisition and use of personal data is one of the main causes of a lack of privacy and safety on the internet. Users’ data is frequently collected by businesses and websites without their knowledge or consent. When this information is used for targeted advertising, intrusive and damaging advertisements frequently result. Additionally, it has been reported that some businesses sell customer data to third parties without the customer’s consent, leaving them open to identity theft and data breaches.  The Optus data hack is a perfect example of how widespread these attacks can be when in the hands of online users that have the intent to use said data in an unethical way. The Guardian has a very interesting article detailing the huge breach of privacy that affected millions of people all over the world. 

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/29/optus-data-breach-everything-we-know-so-far-about

In the OPSM community, where I work, but in any professional setting, digital footprints are a crucial aspect of online activity that can significantly impact an individual’s personal and professional reputation. Digital footprints are the trails of data that we leave behind as we interact with the digital world, including websites, social media platforms, and other online services. In the OPSM community, where individuals often have access to sensitive information and work with a high degree of professionalism, managing one’s digital footprint is essential. A breach in a setting like this could have severe damaging effects to all parties involved, customers – medical records, optometrists, managers and dispensers – reputation. the whole of companies be given a bad name because of breaches that could happen. One of the primary reasons why digital footprints are so important in the OPSM community is the potential for reputational damage. In today’s world, it is not uncommon for employers to conduct online background checks on prospective employees. A negative digital footprint, such as a history of inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour on social media, can harm an individual’s chances of securing a job. Furthermore, even if an individual is already employed, a negative digital footprint can harm their reputation and lead to disciplinary action or termination.

Additionally, cybercrime is a significant issue that is primarily brought on by unethical human behaviour. Cybercriminals commit unlawful acts like ransomware attacks, phishing, and hacking. These actions have the potential to seriously harm individuals, businesses, and even governments. The persistent usage of old software and hardware and the absence of adequate cybersecurity measures make it simpler for these crooks to exploit vulnerabilities.

Another example of unethical human behaviour that adds to a lack of privacy and safety on the internet is the dissemination of false information. False information and fake news are frequently distributed on social media sites.Malicious actors often create fake accounts and spread false information to manipulate public opinion or cause chaos. The widespread sharing of fake news can also have a severe impact on individuals’ privacy and safety, as it can lead to doxing or harassment.

However, it is essential to recognize that unethical human behaviour is a complex issue that can arise for various reasons, such as a lack of ethical standards, greed, or a desire for power or control. These motivations may exist regardless of whether there is privacy or not, and unethical individuals may act regardless of whether they can be held accountable for their actions. The lack of privacy can also be a result of unethical human behaviour rather than the cause. For example, individuals who engage in cyberstalking or harassment often do so by using personal information that they have obtained through unethical means, such as hacking or social engineering. The lack of privacy in this case is a result of the unethical behaviour, rather than the other way around.

In conclusion, a lack of privacy and safety on the internet is primarily caused by unethical human activity. The collection and use of personal data without consent, cybercrime, the spread of fake news and misinformation, and online bullying and harassment are all examples of unethical behaviour that contribute to these issues. To encourage a safer and more private internet, it is crucial for individuals and organisations to accept responsibility for their online behaviours and collaborate. In order to ensure that businesses and individuals are held accountable for unethical behaviour online, governments must also pass the necessary laws and regulations.