| For example, while most Americans contend that they “won’t do business with a company if they have concerns about its security practices,”11 a majority voted for Donald Trump, a man known to skirt security protocols(12) and whose data security practices have faced intense scrutiny.(13) Americans seem content to compromise on data privacy, even though polling and statistics reveal that many are concerned about the issue.(14) More people should ask themselves why they refuse to act; why they are willing to concede without contest. Perhaps the answer is one of priorities, and data privacy simply ranks low.
To be generous, some voters last cycle maybe did not understand the full implications of their vote. But Americans who prioritize the economy over humanitarian causes—as technology and data are being used to target vulnerable populations—have informed the culture. A society’s actions reflect its values and priorities, as does its inaction. People should consider in earnest the impact of their actions and the motivations that inspired them. Often, apathy is a choice. It may not be the universal first choice—it may not even be an easy choice—but it is a choice. Americans disinterested in protecting themselves and others have made a choice. |