Privacy Protection in Digital A Media

The digital age has brought about many changes. As a society, we are still uncovering its impact. One issue that has recently been questioned is the use of social media in disseminating information and news. This was brought to light again on Friday as news of the Newtown school shooting spread across the world wide web and early reports named a suspect that proved to have nothing to do with the killings. Proponents of social media argue that it gets information out quicker. However, detractors argue that social media disregards accuracy for the sake of that quickness.

A bigger question that affects the indie artist is the privacy line that social media is blurring. In a Suffolk University Law School podcast entitled “On Privacy: Liberty in the Digital Revolution”, the issue of personal transparency was up for discussion. Of course, the digital revolution allows people to easily broadcast aspects of their lives that they would not have just a few short years ago. The podcast presents that this is, in fact, eroding our societal concept of privacy. In a word where people are becoming overnight sensations because of Youtube videos that broadcast them living their lives, determining what is actually private becomes a difficult negotiation. Further, the podcasts notes that it is increasingly more difficult to apply the law to cases where privacy is an issue because the laws were not written to address the current reality.

Similarly, Gordon Firemark discusses this issue as it pertains to companies using people’s publicly posted images in their advertising. The question becomes what rights does one actually have when it comes to images and information that they post on social media? When people sign up for social media networks like Facebook and Twitter, there is policy that they must agree to. However, it is unlikely that many people read this policy and usage agreement. Further, if they do it is unlikely that they understand it. This means that many people post without full information and clear knowledge. Companies hide behind “fair use” but what does that actually mean? These are issues are important for the public at large but doubly so for the indie artist, seeking to build a brand in this digital revolution. 

It’s likely that, by now, someone has counseled you to make certain that your image aligns with your personal beliefs. This is one precaution that helps indie artists guard against having personal and professional worlds collide. Since the lines between the two worlds becomes so translucent in cyberspace, making certain that the two worlds are not leagues apart helps. Secondly, as an indie artist you want to read everything and make sure that you have a functional understanding of what you are reading. You need to know your rights. If you are in question, consult an attorney. Fundamentally, you need to make protecting your brand and intellectual property a priority. It is sacred. If you don’t protect it someone who understands its worth will be able to exploit it.

(This post was initially going to be an interview with Miami entertainment attorney, Tom J. Manos. However, I was unable to make contact. Please look for that interview in a future post. I am certain that you will benefit from the information he will provide. Additionally, if there are any questions you would like asked, please leave them in the comments and I'll attempt to get as many answered as possible.)