{"id":13821,"date":"2020-05-22T10:31:59","date_gmt":"2020-05-22T07:31:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saudishopper.com.sa\/en\/?p=13821"},"modified":"2026-03-27T19:11:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:11:31","slug":"more-than-a-half-of-consumers-are-ready-to-disclose-their-social-media-activity-for-government-monitoring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/saudishopper.com.sa\/en\/more-than-a-half-of-consumers-are-ready-to-disclose-their-social-media-activity-for-government-monitoring\/","title":{"rendered":"More than a half of consumers are ready to disclose their social media activity for government monitoring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

51% of consumers say they are happy for the government to monitor social media activity to keep its citizens safe, according to Kaspersky\u2019s latest report, Social credits and security: embracing the world of ratings<\/em>, that reveals people\u2019s perception of social ratings and if they are prepared to be a part of such a system. At the same time, 67% of respondents were ready to reveal their private data in exchange for a unique offer in an online shop. However, for many consumers, it still remains unclear how these automated systems of data-driven services work: 45% of all the users participating in the poll admitted they still can\u2019t figure out the mechanisms of their work.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The growing popularity of social media networks and online services has led to a growth in social scoring systems \u2013 automated algorithms based on users\u2019 behavior and influence on the internet. Initially, such consumer assessment algorithms were integrated by financial institutions, as well as by e-commerce providers. Today, such systems are applied in many other spheres and sectors. For example, governments and organizations can assess which people are eligible for a wide range of real-world services. Moreover, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world saw the implementation of automated systems to control people\u2019s movements, their ability to buy goods, and their access to social services. But are people actually ready for this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Kaspersky\u2019s report, nearly half (46%) of respondents who participated in the survey from around the world[i]<\/a>, have heard of a social credit system. At the same time, despite these systems being put in place and becoming more well-known, there is some ambiguity over how they operate and how effectively they are being implemented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, 45% of consumers have experienced issues in understanding how a social credit system works. People can find it is impossible to discover their score, how they are being calculated and how they can be corrected if there are inaccuracies. But furthermore, as these systems are based on automated machine learning algorithms, it is difficult to know what choices they make and whether it\u2019s possible to rely on them – especially in terms of security. According to Kaspersky\u2019s overview of security of social scoring systems, such schemes can be particularly vulnerable to artificial manipulation, like being able to lower someone\u2019s score for various purposes. Additionally, like any other computer system, they are susceptible to different types of attacks, either on the technical and programming implementation or system mechanics. The latter could lead to the emergence of a new type of black market where users\u2019 scores can be converted into real money and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this does not prevent organizations from further collecting data, especially when people are willing to let it happen. Kaspersky\u2019s report reveals that over 40% of respondents would share sensitive private data to secure better rates and discounts, and to receive special services. Moreover, consumers are much more prepared to share their social media profiles for other aspects of their daily lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGovernments and <\/em>organizations are digitizing quickly, helping them to benefit from technology and consumer data in new ways. On the one hand, technology and data improves their services for people in order to make our lives easier. On the other, it\u2019s not clear how much access to personal information and people\u2019s lives they can request, and most significantly, how they will handle it. This is especially important during situations of global self-isolation, when people have no other option but to rely on online services. And by needing to take control of public life today, people may lose control over their own lives tomorrow,<\/em>\u201d <\/em>comments Marco Preuss, Director of Kaspersky\u2019s Global Research and Analysis Team in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genia Kostka, Professor of Chinese Politics at the Freie Universit\u00e4t Berlin said: \u201c<\/em>In the past, regulators and policymakers in most countries were not keeping up with the speed at which social rating systems were being widely adopted. Today, while <\/em>they are being increasingly <\/em>woven into the fabric of everyday life, it is important to discuss the risks that go along with them, such as privacy violations, discrimination and biases. Societies need to honestly and transparently discuss if and how they want to use such technologies, and, more importantly by whom and for what purposes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the current digital landscape may make it seem like sharing personal information online is inevitable, protecting privacy, both online and offline, is still possible. Kaspersky advises consumers to take the following steps to safeguard themselves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n