The Circle Blog 2
The two concepts I choose to explore are data and privacy within the Circle. I feel as though in the world we live in these two things are actually beginning to become more and more connected. As dependency on the internet increases, our private information becomes more easily available for other people to access.
The Circle was founded as the Unified Operating system which was intended to combine all internet activity into one account that was referred to as a TruYou. This held people accountable for what they said and also allowed for easier consumer targeting. Though it does provide tremendous benefits, it is also dangerous to have so much personal data in one location. It allows for whoever has access or can gain access to have power over the person. This is hinted at in the book when it says “Tom Stenton stood, chatting with a few Circlers, his arms crossed, a posture that in someone else might convey concern or even anger. But more than anything, he seemed amused.” This passage really made me think about how much power the Circle really has. If the Justice Department is trying to investigate you and it does not even phase you then obviously you’re in a powerful position. Who knows what information the Circle has access to.
Throughout the reading, many of the Circle’s projects are mentioned and explained. Though many of them are intended for positive purposes they seem to really push the line in regards to privacy. For example Francis’ ChildTrack project that was meant to help track children is kind of scary. A chip is inserted in the child’s bone which then allows for their parents and police to track them. Though I do see the potential benefits of something like that, it does seem to walk that thin line of where safety and privacy meet. Imagine if this tracking software remained embedded in you for your entire life. Whoever has access to that data could track your every move. Especially since everything Circle related links back to the Cloud in some way. The cloud is used to collect all the Circle data and is filled with information. Another project that I found odd and intrusive was LuvLuv which was designed for you to go through all the data available online about a person you are about to date. The app is meant to help people by letting them know information like possible food allergies or restaurant preferences but what it really does is take away from the entire dating process. The best part of dating is getting to know the person. Using an app like this would bring all of the personal information to light right away. Though it is information available online, some people prefer to choose what they share about their past instead of someone doing the research.
Another very surprising and off-putting thing is the necessity to constantly be connected to the Circle. When Mae doesn’t check her mail while visiting family she comes back to be berated by her boss who is mad that Mae could not be reached. This shows how much the Circle relies on the activities of its employees to stay engaged in the community. This almost doesn’t allow for the employees to have a life outside of the circle. How can someone have privacy if they can’t even have a private life.