Openness and privacy

In the last MobileMonday Barcelona, Rudy and Fabien conned me into starting a blog once and for all. My gratitude for your final push.

One dinner discussion that night was about the growing power of some communication companies as they exponentially increase the amount of data they have about us, the users. And I agree that we are right to be concerned: Google knows practically everything you have searched on the web for the last 18 months. Also you mobile company knows everyone you talked to and, increasingly, where you are at any moment…whether you are calling or not!

So, should we resist? Let’s say, support companies who offer privacy-driven solutions? We could, but we are not and least of all those who spend most time in the web.

Younger generations are sharing now more than ever, unconcerned with what seem like obsolete worries about privacy. One could argue their open doors attitude is mainly due to that teenage compulsion to communicate and to show off, which I amusingly see that also applies to some waaay past their teens. But, let’s face it, tools like myspace, facebook and youtube will mature with their audiences.

This leads me to two thoughts:

ONE: Adult individuals have traditionally had several social spheres: intimate, family, friends, work, neighbors, etc. I agree with Mike that as we become more open, these spheres “merge” somehow? In practical terms, I wonder if I should share in my social networks the same to friends, co-workers, old school mates and recent acquaintances? If we do merge them, doesn’t what we share become meaningless in its content? Powerful socializers that extend but do not deepen our relationships, kind of like an endless string of after dinner jokes?

TWO: As long as companies provide value with the data they collect, users will be willing to give it. Dealing with social and information enablers is very much like going to the doctor or to your bank. You tell them all the information they request because you information (a) enables them to you the best diagnosis, treatment or loan for your financial needs and (b) because there are very stiff rules protecting those personal records.

So, I am for sharing my precious privacy so companies can provide me with personalized high value services, but with very tough rules on disclosure. In an open society, violating trust should equal social death…or close to it.