Thanks to the internet, information has increased exponentially. As the amount of general information on the internet increases so will the amount of personal information. Where is the balance between the publics’ right to have information and the publics’ right to have privacy? The larger problem is that people do not understand the many complexities of internet operations and web companies inner workings, which leads them to a false sense of security. People actually believe their information is safe, untouchable in a world of cyber space. Sadly this is not the case and our internet privacy is in greater jeopardy than is ever has been before. Search engine optimization specialists are on the forefront of this frontier, making their opinions on the matter some of the most important.

Social Media

There is a large growing concern over the footprints left on social media websites and how they will impact privacy. Whenever we go to a website we are submitting information, whether we choose to or not. But when you put out private information such as your social security number, credit card information or address you are opening yourself up for identity theft. The problem is that there are no incentives for companies to protect the rights of users. There are no economic benefits such as money that would encourage them to take appropriate measures.

While many have had concerns over various social website one of the biggest leaks in security is from Myspace rival Facebook. Thousands of users woke up and logged onto their Facebook accounts for the usual checkup. And to their surprise other users’ information and private message accounts appeared. This sparked a chain of concerns and complaints to Facebook about privacy issues. Facebook maintains this was an internal error and not an external attack; however privacy on social network website is still a very large concern.

Search Engines

One of the most notable instances of user privacy and search engines butting heads is with the search engine goliath Google. Many issues of trust have been tied to Google, most recently the length of time their user data is logged. Google logs all of its search information for almost 2 years. This length of time causes many to question how this data will be used and if an 18-24 month storage time is necessary. After a string of stories in the United States the EU (European union) has decided to launch a full inquiry into Google and its practices.

However while Google is the target of internet watchdogs and privacy groups, it has managed to maintain a high level of privacy for its users. In another recent case of notoriety the DOJ (Department of Justice) subpoenaed several major search engine companies including MSN, AOL, Yahoo and Google. The subpoena was a request for search query and user data as part of a larger effort to protect children from online pornography. While AOL, MSN and Yahoo gladly conceded Google refused to cooperate without a fight. Google’s response to the DOJ inquiry was “Google is not a party to this lawsuit and their demand for information overreaches. We had lengthy discussions with them to try to resolve this, but were not able to and we intend to resist their motion vigorously”. The Main issue is that while this instance may not be an invasion of privacy, what’s next. If they cooperate this time what’s to stop the DOJ from asking for a little more next time.

SEO Firms

While many SEO firms are ardent about protecting both their own and their clients’ privacy, many fall short when it comes down to it. However what guarantee do you have that your SEO firm is not selling your information to a telemarketing company? It is important to check and double check your search engine optimization firms privacy policies and practices. Make sure your SEO firm has a privacy policy listed on their website, and that it will not sell your private information to data collection companies and government arms.