We were invited to an event run by the lovely Bristol Media and it immediately struck us as a little different from the norm.
The event was billed as ‘a unique interactive experience that will make you think twice about privacy, personal data and our relationship with technology’.
We were in.
Hosted by Channel 4 technology correspondent Geoff White, the event focused on the implications surrounding the ongoing transmission of data from our smart phones. When we arrived, we were warned that our phones would potentially be accessed and intercepted. Scary stuff.
Geoff explained how our smart phones continually search for Wi-Fi networks we’ve previously joined, whether that’s Singapore International Airport or your local Starbucks. He then introduced his co-presenter, Glenn Wilkinson, a security professional and hacker. Using just £30 worth of software and Glenn’s own software, they were able to plot on a map where we’d all recently been, based on the Wi-Fi networks our phones were searching for. One guy in the audience recognised a spot in Australia where his relatives live.
Then, with the help of some audience volunteers, Glenn went on to demonstrate just how much data is emitted from our phones through browsing – and how easy this data is to intercept.
The whole event was a real eye opener, although – as digital marketers – not wholly surprising. After all, we’re always trying to find clever ways to utilise data to customise content for users. And this is where the big questions around ethics, data and ‘big brother’ come in.
Overall though, the presentation didn’t terrify us as much as we thought it might. As long as we’re aware of the data we’re putting out there, if it means we get served more relevant, useful content then that’s great. But equally, we’re aware of the flip side of the coin; the worry around which companies can access data and what they’re using it for.
It’s a debate that could last hours.
We just wanted to extend our thanks to Geoff, Glenn, Bristol Media and Zone (for hosting us).
And why not let us know your thoughts on data and privacy by tweeting @truedigital – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
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