Category Archives: Privacy

Playstation vs XBOX: Who is the one?

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On the surface, the used game factor gives Sony a large edge. Plus, by offering legacy games through Playstation Network, fans can relive memories or newer generations can explore a much larger library of games.

The used game policy is not an absolute loss for XBOX. First, this is not going to affect any users who are currently using what is on the market right now. This policy will not affect XBOX 360 users, since the physical games from that console are not compatible with the new system. Internet connection? How many XBOX users do not have access to the Internet? This is also overblown. If these two topics are the reason Playstation is going to win, Sony needs to check themselves. It is still early and Sony better make sure that any studios are not planning to restrict their content to PCs and the XBOX One because the studios will have better protection for their intellectual property. Sony also needs to continue to work towards goodwill with their gaming community after the various hacks of their network.

The real winner here is the gamer who will have great choices for new consoles and a lot of options on the web or through their own personal mobile devices. Power to the gamer!

Okay with NSA surveillance?

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Are you okay with surveillance of web and mobile traffic and phone records by the NSA?

Yes. If it means stopping terrorism, I am fine with it.

No. I value my privacy, and I do not want to give it up despite the possibility that means that I am less safe.

Well, supposedly more than half of you agree with the first option. Does that describe you? We would like to know.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57588691-83/more-than-half-polled-ok-with-nsa-tracking-to-catch-terrorists/

What is your opinion? Do social networks really respect privacy more than banks or retailers?

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A. Yes. Many of the networks have control panels that can enable or disable access to personal information.

B. Yes. I can choose to remain mostly private or public on most social networks.

C. Yes. I can control access to my profile.

D. No. Too much information is readily accessible via search engines.

E. No. Ads are targeted using analytics. I am not sure what information 3rd parties have.

F. No. Most apps require access to information without disclosing what they do with that information.

Social Networks respect privacy and afford more consumer protection than banks and retailers?

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When considering how financial institutions make money and conduct themselves, there are a number of reasons they may not be perceived as trustworthy stewards of private information.

When making decisions about credit-worthiness, some financial institutions have been rumored to hold impulse purchase decisions against their customers. For example, if you use your credit card to buy gas, snacks at a gas station, or other small miscellaneous purchases, this could be viewed as being stressed financially. Banks could then use this knowledge as reason to not approve an APR on a credit card or an interest rate on a loan that otherwise would be justified. You may be deemed unable to make the qualifying payments.

However, the murkiest factor in determining whether banks and retailers rank less than social networks is how they share information with 3rd parties. Many retailers have rewards programs written in legalese that does not clearly state that information will be shared with 3rd parties. Others may share and not even divulge this information to their customers.

It is important to keep in mind though that this does not mean that your institution is not respecting your privacy or behaving in a manner that is antagonistic to the consumer. Read documents carefully and be vigilant.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2041278/social-sites-beat-retailers-and-banks-for-consumer-protection-and-privacy.html