Op-Ed

Internet Safety 101.

| Tania Rahman

Today we’re going to talk about internet safety, or how to keep your privacy on lock–starting yesterday.

On Wednesday, the House voted to overturn the FCC’s ruling that protected citizens’ rights on the Internet. If it passes, every single American can wave goodbye to privacy for their web activities. This means that every single byte of information you consume–your browsing history, habits, trends, location data, etc–is available for purchase.

Image result for internet privacy

Why is this scary?

With a changing media and web landscape as well as trickier advertising like programmatic on the rise, it means that nearly everything you see will be manipulated and tailored to you. You will no longer hold 100% accountability over everything you do, because ads and copy will be manufactured specifically for you. EVERY piece of information you put out there–think auto logins where you input your SS or home address–is up for grabs.

What steps can you take to protect yourself?

I recommend doing everything in your power. This Medium article is extremely helpful in explaining these measures, such as creating a VPN and using anonymous browsers like Tor to safeguard information like your browsing history. You should also become educated on the FCC’s policies as well as become increasingly hyper-aware of changes like these that are an invasion of the very foundation the nation built itself on and still trumpets: freedom.

STAY WOKE.

Don’t ever become desensitized or numb to these rulings.  Remain alert, and have a safe day.

*ding ding*

In light of Donald Trump’s recent, rather illuminating thoughts on Mexican immigration

| Tania Rahman

I must say, it is refreshing to see corporations taking a stand against blatant bigotry (hat’s off to you, Univision and NBC).

People are quick to defend our fair nation’s foundation of liberty and free speech, and quick to ignore the dormant consequences to every word that we give life to.

I’m fairly certain that if I said it at some point before, but I will say it again: nothing in life is free, everything comes with a price.

Trump is certainly paying the price, but with his undoubtedly, er, thick skin, I’m not entirely sure he is fazed. In fact, with his recent retort in a letter that publicly barred Univision representatives from using his properties, it doesn’t look like he cares.

Then again, I didn’t expect individuals with the audacity to make sure remarks to repent, and definitely not if that individual is Donald Trump.

He recently opened up a golf course in the Bronx, near where I live. I winced as we drove by the place today–talk about out of place.