Behind technology our privacy today seems like a flower kept in a glass house.
It looks beautiful from the outside, but once touched with a simple gaze, it breaks.
We ourselves are breaking that glass every day sometimes unknowingly, sometimes consciously. With one click we are revealing our location, relationship, even our state of mind. Under this light of technology lies a darkness where personal information is the most valuable commodity.
Over the past two decades, technology has made human life easier, but also made personal privacy vulnerable.
Facebook, Instagram, Google, WhatsApp, Messenger, or platforms like ChatGPT are now an integral part of our daily lives.
Every day we are sharing our information through these photos, thoughts, locations, search history, conversations everything.
But how much we are losing in return, no one is realizing properly. Technology companies are not only collecting the data we give, but also observing our behavior.
Who searches for what, when, who talks to whom, what topics they are most interested in from all these, they are creating a complete data profile of each user. These data are later used in advertising, research, and even for political influence.
When we go to a restaurant and post a picture on social media with the location on, the platform knows where we are, with whom, and when we went. Even later, the ads that appear in that area are arranged based on that data. Services like ChatGPT or Google can analyze our search history, typing style, and question patterns to predict future behavior. In the case of WhatsApp and Messenger, even metadata who is messaging whom and for how long is stored by the company. As a result, even without seeing the content of the conversation, the user’s communication picture becomes clear. On the other hand, hackers steal these data in various ways through phishing links, malware, or weak Wi-Fi networks. As a result, one’s personal information can fall into someone else’s hands in a moment.
The biggest reason behind the violation of privacy is our lack of awareness.
We use simple passwords, use the same password on multiple sites, and allow apps without reading permissions.
The commercial purpose of technology companies is also a major reason.
Their main income comes from advertising, and to target advertisements, user data is necessary. Therefore, collecting data becomes profitable for them. Weak security also plays a role behind cyberbullying and privacy violations.
Old software versions, lack of cyber defense, or user negligence all together make hacking easier. Through social engineering, hackers gain the trust of users in such a way that people unknowingly give away personal information. At the state level, weak law enforcement increases this problem.
In our country, very few cases of cybercrime are filed, and because of the slow judicial process, most criminals get away.
To protect ourselves from cyberbullying and privacy violations, we must take some measures. First of all, we must change our own behavior. Use strong passwords and enable two-step verification. Avoid oversharing on social media. Turn off location sharing and keep profiles private.
Avoid clicking on unknown links and downloading suspicious files. Technology companies must comply with data protection laws. No information should be used without the user’s consent, and such rules must be strictly enforced. At the state level, the cyber security framework must be strengthened. Regular awareness campaigns, digital literacy education in institutions, and enhancing the capacity of the cyber police unit are essential. There should be an easy and quick reporting system for users so that if anyone’s privacy is violated, immediate action can be taken.
Technology has become an inseparable part of our lives, that cannot be denied. But that does not mean we will mortgage our privacy. Technology should serve us, not rule us this awareness must be built within both individuals and society. Privacy is not a luxury, it is a part of human rights.
In an era where information is power, personal information is the biggest weapon. And to ensure that this weapon is never used against us, building awareness is now the need of the hour.
