In today's era of modern information, nearly everything that is done using
technology collects an individual's data. This data collection is done by major
companies, such as Amazon, with the intention of bolstering their own profits. Amazon
recently had to pay a hefty fine of 746 Euros for its unethical advertising practices to its
users (Asokan, 2024). They were held accountable for leaking personal information on
their mobile apps, wearable devices, and smart home devices. Amazon uses
technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics to
process and more accurately target specific products to its users with the data it
collects.
Considering this, many other large companies, such as Facebook and Meta,
have found themselves in similar situations, with users' data privacy becoming a
concern. It brings up the issue of user consent and knowledge of where their
information goes or how it is being used, which ties into the General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) and its legal sway in the policies concerning user data collection
and use. “Its stringent requirements and hefty penalties for non-compliance have
reshaped how organizations handle personal data.” (Laney, 2024). While GDPR mostly
applies to organizations within and that interact with the European Union (EU), it has
also set very important precedents for data policies within Northern American
Technological companies.
Companies violating the principles of data privacy also violate basic human rights
by giving away user data without knowledge or consent. By doing this they lie to their
users about safety and integrity, much like how Delilah betrays Samson and told things
he said to her in secret to Samsons enemies with the intention of gaining from his
downfall. Much like how Samson lost his power from his hair being cut, violating user
data privacy could be the downfall for Amazon and other large companies because of
how crucial it is to their operations.
Amazon also prods into the lives of its consumers with its adaptive technology to
become an invasive part of their lives as well. Like how cell phones listen to people talk,
Amazon Echo and Alexa-type devices listen to their environments and start selecting
product placement on user accounts based on these conversations. Amazon spews
sweet lies about these great products harmlessly to their consumers but gets the
information by invading the user's data privacy. People will mindlessly place their trust in
these companies and the products they sell because they are given false hope and
security. Companies target these customers with valuable products that will help make
their lives easier and provide them with peace of mind with their devices, which will
ultimately benefit them because it bolsters their data collection. These misconceptions
about companies' true intentions are like how false prophets from the book of Jerimiah
claimed they are saying they are here for the people's benefit even though they
intentionally lie.
Overall, large tech companies like Amazon and even Facebook. Violate data
privacy among their users and have been caught by authorities enforcing GDPR. While
for the time being, it only affects people within Europe and their data, it's only a matter
of time until Northern American users and Data collectors start applying stricter policies
upon themselves to maintain better trust and relations within the market. Only time will
tell if there will be a change in their data collection methods or policies. Users across
Northern America and the United States should seek stricter security and more
transparency regarding how the data collected is being used.
References
Asokan, Akshaya. “Amazon Appeals Privacy Fine of 746 Million Euros.” Information
Security Media Group, 12 Jan. 2024, www.bankinfosecurity.com/amazon-
appeals-privacy-fine-746-million-euros-a-24094.
Laney, Douglas B. “GDPR Violations and Fines: Trends, Insights, and Compliance
Strategies.” Forbes, 12 June 2024,
www.forbes.com/sites/douglaslaney/2024/06/12/gdpr-violations-and-fines-trends-
insights-and-compliance-strategies/.
Office of Public Affairs. “Office of Public Affairs | Amazon Agrees to Injunctive Relief and
$25 Million Civil Penalty for Alleged Violations of Children’s Privacy Law Relating
to Alexa | United States Department of Justice.” U.S. Department of Justice, 19
July 2023, www.justice.gov/opa/pr/amazon-agrees-injunctive-relief-and-25-
million-civil-penalty-alleged-violations-childrens.
New International Version (2011), Judges
. BibleGateway.com.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2016&version=NIV
New International Version (2011), Jeremiah 29:8-9. BibleGateway.com.
