Facebook has been whispering to reporters–and also saying publicly–that the recent backlash over its new expanded targeting system comes from a “marginal minority” of people. Other industry executives are telling journalists that only “old” people are concerned about privacy; in their view, young members of the public don’t care anymore.
Such callous expression of disdain for privacy suggests a senior management problem at Facebook (as well as at some other major interactive marketing companies). As users, consumers and citizens begin to recognize the growing threats to their privacy and its implications, we expect to see more members of the public become involved. Privacy is a fundamental aspect of civil rights in the digital era, and is also connected to such issues as network neutrality, equitable broadband access, and diverse media ownership. It’s not going away–only getting stronger. Now will Facebook, MySpace, Google and the others lead–or have to become the focus of organizing campaigns designed to make them responsible corporate citizens? Governments will need to play a more active role as well. We will be covering this issue, as we explore where interactive marketing is taking our global society.
