Data Tracking in the Government and Avoidance



It is possible that many people are still not aware of the amount of data the government holds on its citizens, allies, facilities, and companies. Some data aren't as detailed as others and hold simple information. Other types of data can hold a lot more information on a person, from a company. Of course, the less complex data does not strike as a threat to most. However, when simpler information is added to more complex information, a true threat can be posed. That's why it is important to identify the simple data in addition to the more complex data the government may be tracking.

EPA and Data Tracking
According to the EPA, online tracking information systems have been used to give the public access of different enforcements and laws. The tool used can be found on their website and is known as, Enforcement and Compliance History Online or ECHO. The site holds records of information on permits, penalties, and violations. The site can be seen as a searchable database, public viewers can search different facilities throughout state, cities, and regions of the US. The type of tracking used for the information on the site can seem important to the government and specifically the EPA because it keeps a record of these facilities. It can be strongly argued that the tracking used to collect this information can be seen as necessary. However, if fallen into the wrong hands, the information held on this site can be used negatively.

Data Tracking in the Department of Defense
In an article by the federal times, it was reported that the Department of the Defense has started using new tracking tools. These tools can track “sensitive” equipment being transported. The tool is so advanced that, it can even send information to verify if anything being transported is tampered with. The tool being used by the Department of Defense is radio frequency identification (RFID). A question that came up in the use of the new tool was reportedly made by the president and CEO of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Rick Blasgen. Blasgen took into the account of how much data the RFID is collecting, and he became alarmed with what to do with that said data. That is a problem with tracking tools used everywhere. So much information is stored that the people using these tools can’t seem to justify if all of the data being collected is appropriate or necessary.

Major Companies and PRISM


In 2007, the National Security Agency launched PRISM, a surveillance program. The program was incorporated into government under the Protect America Act, which was added under the Bush Administration. In the video added, President Obama explains the uses and reasons for the program. In an article by CTV news, major companies including AOL, Google, Facebook, Apple, Yahoo and Microsoft have stated their knowledge on the PRISM program and answered any questions involving their participation. Remarkably, each company gave the same reasonable answer. To summarize each of their responses they all proclaimed that they could not give any data or information without a court order and they've never given anyone access to their servers. However, neither company stated that they didn't give information; they simply implied that they could not give information without a legal obligation or court order. Under the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, these companies need to turn over any information approved by the court that matches needed search terms.

Ways to Avoid Being Tracked


The best way to avoid being blackmailed by any company, person or organization online is to not give any information that you know can be used against you. It is recommended to keep your private life private, and off-line. If there's no way to keep private comments to yourself, there is software that can be used to block your online usage from potential companies that are trying to gather your information for negative use or simply to promote and advertise their products. A simple anti-tracking add-on such a Ghostery can help block many companies from tracking your online use. Ghostery shows you the thousands of add companies that tracks you. Then the anti-tracking tool gives you information on each company and lets you decide on whether or not you want to share your information with that particular company. Ghostery is available for many web browsers and devices. It is a safe way to browse without having to worry about sharing your information or being tracked.