Asked by gh

Read the following passages:

Passage A

"A study done by the Associated Press revealed that many phone apps continue to collect and store location data even after users adjust their privacy settings to turn tracking off. Jon Meyer, an agent with the Federal Communications Commission, says location data is often gathered by apps that people don’t realize they must disable individually. Meyer has called on companies like Google to make it easier for consumers to control their devices.

"Google responded by claiming that their policies are perfectly clear. Although they only collect location data to improve the customer experience, people can stop the action anytime they want. All anyone has to do, says the tech giant, is carefully read all of the information provided with each tool and service."

Passage B

"According to Science News, over 12 million Americans have sent DNA samples to commercial companies in order to trace their family tree or find out about inherited health risks. Few of them realize this information can also be used in police investigations. Genetic data identifies not only the people who submitted it but also their distant relatives. Scientists project that within a few years, these genetic databases will have enough information to track down the source of almost any DNA sample.

"Andrea Roth, professor at the University of California School of Law, says people looking for their ancestors don’t intend to put themselves or their relatives under police investigation. She says laws should be made to control access to this information. Ellen Greytak, founder of a lab that uses DNA to track down criminals, says these fears are overblown. Even with DNA, she says, police still have to prove their case. 'We’re just helping,' she explained."

What is a common theme of both of these readings?


Citizens must realize that privacy doesn’t exist any more and the government has access to all their personal information.


People who commit crimes will eventually be caught due to their cell phones and DNA.


New technologies are interfering with personal privacy in unexpected ways.


Anyone who buys a phone or has their DNA tested is asking for trouble.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
New technologies are interfering with personal privacy in unexpected ways.

Both passages describe how modern tech (apps/location tracking; commercial DNA databases) can expose personal data or be used without users' full understanding, raising privacy concerns.