These days the personal information of many individuals is held by large internet companies and organisations. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Does retention of details of users by internet service providers and large organizations carry more benefits or drawbacks, is a matter that evokes mixed responses. However, I uphold the view that this policy is more rewarding, provided appropriate safeguards are embraced to ensure user safety.
This procedure can save immense time, otherwise wasted in sharing details again. Most portals require one to provide details: name and the date of birth, to name a few, and once the information is submitted, it is saved in the permanent database, helping save humongous time and energy, and allowing one to proceed ahead and complete their task quickly, especially while seeking healthcare services or interacting with government schemes.
Moreover, this system allows governments to create and maintain the profiles of their citizens, and regulate and monitor, or extend them relief when required. To exemplify, authorities in various countries in the western hemisphere follow this practice and afford monetary and healthcare assistance to the inhabitants, particularly the elderly, whenever and wherever required.
Nonetheless, this system has an inherent detriment: privacy concerns. The personal information becomes vulnerable to unsolicited access, and users might become victims of cybercrime and scams. There has been a spike in incidence of frauds, wherein cyber criminals steal profiles and money, leaving victims helpless. To corroborate, in India, a significant number of online scams are registered every year due to personal data leaks, especially in the case of financial transactions carried out using payment apps.
To encapsulate, the pros of the policy of private data retention are numerous: it can prove to be time and effort efficient, and exceed the complications. However, the justified concerns about probable online frauds, like getting unwanted messages and calls should be addressed by concerned establishments, to ensure enhancing the browsing experience.
