Privacy Isn't Dead. Far from It
eff.org
eff.org
Not because there aren't folks (myself included) who care about privacy and not because we haven't made some strides to protect individual privacy. We have, as the EFF's blog post outlines.
Unfortunately, it may well be too little, too late. Almost all service vendors snarf up as much data/PII as they can, and rafts of manufacturers, including appliance manufacturers (from TVs to washing machines to toaster ovens), auto makers, "smart" phone makers and on and on, with more snarfing up data every day.
Even if you care about this stuff and take steps to limit your digital footprint, unless you're willing to squat in a lean-to in the woods you'll need give up significant amounts of PII just to live in our technological society.
Since I'm not willing to go completely off the grid, I have to make compromises that jeopardize my privacy and data security every single day.
As such, despite what the EFF says (and I support the good work they do!), privacy is dying and we're allowing it to be drowned in the bath tub. :(
I disagree with this. What you really need to give up is a bit of convenience -- which isn't so bad. I just don't use online services, no devices that I don't have complete control over get access to my network, etc.
The real sticking point in a lot (but not all) areas is the damned smartphone.
While it's true that you will always leak some data (perfect security is never possible), you can do a whole lot without giving up all that much.
But what's absolutely true is that there are far too many companies who have weaponized technology in order to use it against you to increase their profits. Outside of avoiding giving them any data, time, or money, I don't really know what can be done about that.
A fair point. Although there are some places where the government requires online interaction mediated by the private organizations engaged in "weaponizing" technology that you mentioned.
That said, it is the "smart" phone. And not just the "smart" part. Telecoms need to track you in order to deliver phone calls and text messages as well.
Perhaps I was being a bit hyperbolic, but we're certainly trending in that direction -- mostly because of the, as you put it, "weaponized technology."
As such, I host many services myself, don't allow devices not under my control onto my networks, take steps to limit my digital footprint (browser extensions, ad/tracking blockers, egress filters, as well other steps), but it seems like it's becoming more and more difficult (e.g., DNS over https) to maintain control over one's own property.
I don't like it. And I want it to stop. And so, even if I am a bit hyperbolic, I will continue to rail against the deliberate erosion of my privacy here and elsewhere.