Hong Talks Privacy Day on WESA-FM
In the Media
How often do you think twice before downloading an app on your smartphone or posting something on the Internet? Chances are, not often. In a recent podcast from WESA-FM, HCII Associate Professor Jason Hong told listeners that their smartphone applications might not be as safe — and confidential — as they think.
"[From] wearing Fitbits and having steps monitored, to smartphones [where] microphone data can be collected along with unique phone ID and location … there are so many sensors," Hong said. He also addressed how technology companies and application products contribute to the modern-day Internet of Things.
Hong also discussed Data Privacy Day, an international event held annually on Jan. 28 that empowers and educates people to protect their privacy and control their digital footprint. Carnegie Mellon's Privacy Day celebration will feature events, clinics and keynote speakers, with the goal of helping users protect privacy as modern day computer interactions increase.
"For the most part, it's a risk assessment," Hong said. "We're trying to raise peoples' awareness of all these different [privacy] issues so we can make better decisions as a community."
Listen to more about Data Privacy Day and the event at 90.5 WESA-FM.
Story by Aisha Rashid (DC 2019).