Social Media & Data Brokers
Sarah A. Downey, @SarahADowney
Randal L. Schwartz, @Merlyn
education level
estimated net worth
types of recent purchases
number of kids
religious & political views
marital status
mortgage amount
investments
salary
habits (like smoking & gambling)
contact info
How they know it: involuntary
How they know it: voluntary
Uses (and misuses)
• Lowered credit scores and credit limits
• Price discrimination• Denial of insurance
coverage, or more expensive coverage
• Lost job opportunities• Stalking, harassment
• Identity theft• Filter bubbles• Censorship of speech
and association due to fear of later repercussions
• Erosion of the 4th Amendment
Online + offline melding
Brick & mortar store
Opting out: it’s hardEnclosed circles show affiliation between sites (same opt-out procedure, same parent company, and/or shared databases)
/ /
DIY: abine.com/optouts.php
Facial recognition
Privacy tips
1. Guard your info2. Opt out3. Smart profile pics4. Block trackers5. Use alias data6. Support privacy orgs
abine.com/maskme
Be vigilant about your personal info, and happy Dragon Con.
Thanks!
Sarah A. Downey @SarahADowney
Randal L. Schwartz@[email protected]