Module 4 Information Control and Privacy
Module 4 Information Control and Privacy
Information privacy, intellectual property rights (IPR), and digital rights management (DRM) are interrelated in their focus on controlling access to and distribution of sensitive information. Information privacy seeks to protect individuals' data from unauthorized access and misuse, aligning with IPR's goal of safeguarding intangible assets such as trademarks and copyrights through exclusive rights. DRM supports these efforts by employing technology to reinforce the control of intellectual property, restricting copying and sharing of proprietary content without permission, thus ensuring both creators' control and user privacy are maintained .
The control of information is challenged by the growth of social media and online platforms through increased difficulty in managing the accuracy, spread, and security of information. Social media facilitates rapid dissemination of both accurate and misleading information, complicating efforts to verify facts and control narratives. Additionally, the vast data collected by these platforms poses privacy risks, making it challenging to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The decentralized nature of online platforms complicates enforcement of intellectual property rights and digital rights management, as users globally can easily share and modify content without authorization .
The non-rivalrous and non-exclusive characteristics of information influence mobile commerce strategies by allowing companies to scale their services and reach more users with minimal additional cost. Since digital information can be reproduced and shared infinitely without diminishing in quality, mobile commerce can offer a wide range of services and content globally, enhancing market penetration and customer engagement. Businesses can leverage these traits to innovate their offerings, personalize user experiences, and optimize resources, while retaining flexibility in pricing models to attract and retain diverse customer bases .
Mobile social media and mobile commerce exemplify the characteristics of information by showcasing zero marginal cost, non-rivalrousness, non-exclusiveness, and varying degrees of transparency. These platforms allow vast amounts of data to be shared instantly, often at no additional cost per user, demonstrating zero marginal cost. They are non-rivalrous as the use of digital information by one person does not prevent others from using the same information. These platforms are generally non-exclusive since many mobile applications allow free access with optional paid features. Finally, they can exhibit varying transparency as some aspects are clear to users, while others, such as data privacy implications, may not be immediately visible .
The proliferation of mobile devices contributes to information overload by exponentially increasing the volume and speed of data generation and sharing. With more than half of all web traffic now coming from mobiles, and with widespread social media usage, individuals are constantly bombarded with vast amounts of information, making it difficult to filter and prioritize relevant data. For organizations, this trend necessitates adopting strategies to manage and analyze data efficiently, ensuring critical information remains accessible and actionable. Failure to manage information overload can lead to decision-making difficulties and decreased productivity as both individuals and entities struggle to cope with the constant influx of data .
Distinguishing between physical and conceptual resources is significant because it helps organizations efficiently manage and allocate their assets. Physical resources, such as equipment and facilities, are tangible and require maintenance and space. Conceptual resources, including information and human capital, represent non-tangible assets that are crucial for innovation and strategic planning. Understanding the nature and value of these resources allows organizations to balance their investments, optimize their operations, and remain competitive by leveraging the strengths of both types of resources effectively .
Encryption is critical for information control and privacy as it protects sensitive data from unauthorized access by converting it into a code that can only be deciphered with the correct key. This safeguards personal and corporate information from breaches and ensures compliance with privacy regulations. Encryption ties closely to digital rights management, where it is used to secure digital content, ensuring only authorized users can access and use digital products as intended by content creators. By preventing unauthorized copying and distribution, both encryption and DRM help maintain the integrity and economic value of digital intellectual property .
To comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, organizations should adopt practices such as implementing data protection protocols, conducting regular privacy impact assessments, and fostering a culture of security awareness among employees. They must ensure transparency by informing individuals how their data is used, obtain explicit consent for data collection, and provide mechanisms for individuals to access, correct, and delete their data. Additionally, organizations should appoint data protection officers and continuously update security measures to protect sensitive personal information from unauthorized access and comply with legal and regulatory requirements .
The concepts of compressibility and transportability enhance the sharing and utilization of information in the IT era by enabling efficient data storage and rapid transmission across vast networks. Compressibility allows large volumes of data to be reduced in size, facilitating faster processing and reduced storage costs. Transportability ensures data can be easily moved and accessed across different devices and locations. These attributes support the seamless flow of information critical to real-time communication, cloud computing, and global collaboration, driving innovation and operational efficiencies in the information technology landscape .
Reputation plays a pivotal role in branding and information economics on digital platforms by influencing consumer trust and decision-making. A strong reputation can enhance brand value and customer loyalty, which is especially crucial in digital environments where users rely heavily on reviews and ratings. Reputable brands can more effectively capitalize on the non-rivalrous and non-exclusive nature of information, as their established trust simplifies market entry and expansion. Consequently, reputation underpins competitive advantage and influences economic outcomes by dictating user engagement, retention, and revenue generation strategies on digital platforms .