Question

Besides some positive effects, data collection can have negative effects on users. How can we use some of these negative effects to justify data privacy concerns? Explain your answer in 3-5 sentences.(4 points)

Answer 1

Data collection can lead to significant negative effects on users, such as privacy erosion, increased surveillance, and the potential for data breaches. Users may feel a loss of autonomy and trust when they realize their personal information is being tracked and analyzed without their explicit consent, leading to psychological distress and a sense of vulnerability. Furthermore, misuse of data can result in discrimination and profiling, exacerbating social inequalities. These negative consequences highlight the crucial need for robust data privacy protections, as individuals deserve to control their personal information and safeguard against harmful exploitation.