Social Network Data Privacy

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Summary
Internet social platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, the Amazon, and Google have a significant number of users. In particular, Facebook has nearly 214 million users, and the number keeps increasing day in day out. The privacy of personal data submitted by users on these social networks remains a controversial topic in the United States. An already heated debate about privacy was intensified after it was discovered that, during Trump campaign, a private political-oriented firm, Cambridge Analytica, collaborated with Mark Zuckerberg to manipulate the electoral outcome (Sherr and Abbra 1). Personal details of over 87 million subscribers on Facebook was leaked and used in campaigning for Trump. Plus, Google and Twitter were also hacked
The Facebook CEO was summoned to appear before the Senate commercial committee, the House Energy Commerce Committee, and the Senate Judiciary Committee to explain the role Facebook played in Trumps Campaign. Other networks; Google, Microsoft, and Apple have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, at least once. From 2011 through 2013, Google was on the spot for engaging in unhealthy competitive practices, and, failing to protect the privacy of its users. On the same note, Apple was sued by the government after it was discovered that Apple was working hand in hand with book publishers to overthrow Amazon (Sherr and Abbra 2).
Analysis
After summoning Mark, the Congress hopes that it shall serve as a lesson to other CEO in the tech industry to put in more efforts to guarantee data privacy.

Plus, there are laws put in place to that effect. A bill was put forth by two senators requiring online networks to inform their clients the type of data retrieved from their respective profiles and the reason for obtaining the data. Honest Ads Act would be put in place to foster transparency and accountability in political advertisement online (Sherr and Abbra 2).
In the face of such restrictions, the tech industry will have to embrace competitive, ethical strategies and ensure support data privacy. Enhancing the confidentiality of information on social platforms will restore confidence in the users. Additionally, data will not be available to the hackers who can use it for their benefit. From a political standpoint, there will be restricted access to voters’ information by one party, thereby creating a level ground for the competition. The tech industry will reaffirm its position in the society. Criminals will not be able to track victims, neither will hackers obtain sensitive information that can be used against the victim.
Work cited
Sherr, Ian, and Abbra Al-Heeti. “Congress Isn’t Ready to Regulate Silicon Valley, but It Wants to.” CNET, 18 Apr. 2018, www.cnet.com/news/congress-isnt-ready-to-regulate-zuckerberg-facebook-twitter-google/. Accessed 20 Apr. 2018.