Avid Weekly Article: Onward Online Privacy

In the article it explains and informs the readers about the growing epidemic of privacy violations online. The article continues by saying how the government is getting involved and it in fact making efforts to fix it.  Recently, the White House introduced a privacy bill of rights for internet users that could allow them to have more control over how their personal information is collected and used in relation to the public. One proposed solution to this issue was made by California Attorney General Kamala Harris.  It stated that it was to be "required of companies developing applications for smart phones and tablet computers to disclose their personal information without hindering innovation or quickly becoming obsolete". In my opinion the "Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights" is a good start to helping protect privacy rights online.  This offers certain principals such as, "calling on Web companies to minimize their collection of personal data, help users make informed choices about the information they reveal, and not use personal data for new purposes without the users content". Although these may seem like a good idea when talking about it, the main problem is how to enforce these proposals.  One possibility is the White House officially making turning these ideas into laws, but thats only provided that lawmakers resist the urge to require or ban specific technologies.  However, according to the article a discloser-based approach maybe be the best solution.  I completely agree with this viewpoint because the Federal Trade Commission and California prosecutors will be able to crack down on companies that make misleading statements about their privacy policies.

Avid Weekly Article Response: Actions to Take Against Global Warming

                      There are many actions the United States can take as a whole in an attempt to solve the growing and pressing issue of Global Warming.  The first step we need to take in order to make ideas turn into reality is to alert government officials about this problem and make the rest of America aware.  Without awareness there is no hope for change.  People can write to their local newspaper about the significance of global warming and the need for U.S. leadership, or respond to stories and letters that dismiss global warming. Also, it would help to contact your U.S. representatives and senators to encourage them to support actions that reduce the emissions of heat-trapping gases. Ask your governor, state legislators, and public utility regulators to promote energy efficiency, nonpolluting transportation alternatives, and the development of clean, renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power. At a local level, communities and individuals can encourage the use of clean, renewable energy in publicly funded projects. For example, suggest that new construction or significant remodeling projects incorporate passive-solar techniques.  Another helpful thing to do would be to reduce the amount of gas you burn by choosing a fuel-efficient car or other transportation that uses less (or no) fossil fuel per person, such as trains, subways, and buses, car pools, walking, and biking.  Or even, buy efficient appliances that use less electricity. Another important aspect of this is to make sure you reduce every day electrical use.  You should think of ways to electricity use between you and whoever else lives with you at home. There are easy things that can be done that make a big difference in the end such as, turning the lights off when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when they’re not being used, or even replacing your regular light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs, which are more energy efficient. Greenwich High School has a good amount of clubs formed that are made to help make people aware and try to put a stop to global warming. Some examples of this are the “Students for Energy Conservation Club” and the “Go Green!” club.  It is important to take action against the worldwide issue of Global Warming because we can no longer just sit back and hope others will do something about it.  If each person does something small to contribute it will end up making a big difference.