Internet privacy on the verge of extinction?/ Experts warn of a future where it could become a luxury

2026-03-06 13:24:00, Tech CNA

Internet privacy on the verge of extinction?/ Experts warn of a future where it

In the digital age where almost every daily activity takes place online, the issue of online privacy is becoming increasingly controversial. Experts warn that in the coming years, online privacy may no longer be considered a fundamental right, but a luxury that not everyone will have.

Technology analyst Thomas Bunting, from the British innovation institute Nesta, points out that the development of smart devices is significantly increasing the amount of data being collected on users. In one possible scenario, even common household appliances, such as smart refrigerators, could analyze families' eating habits and share this information with insurance companies or other companies.

However, according to him, the idea of ??absolute privacy on the internet has never fully existed. Many users accept that their data is used by digital platforms in exchange for free services, such as social networks, applications or communication platforms.

Cybersecurity experts emphasize that privacy is not about whether or not a person has something to hide. Rather, it is about the right to control personal information and to live without the feeling of constant monitoring. When people feel watched, they can start to self-censor, directly impacting freedom of expression.

Although technology offers tools to protect data – such as encrypted apps, private browsers, tracker blockers and VPNs – statistics show that the risk remains high. In 2024 alone, more than 1.35 billion people worldwide were affected by data breaches or cyberattacks.

Another phenomenon often mentioned by experts is the so-called “privacy paradox.” Many users declare that they are concerned about the protection of personal data, but in practice they take very few concrete measures to protect it.

Researchers emphasize that the solution requires a common approach: stronger data protection laws, more transparent technology companies, and users who are more aware of how they use the internet.

Ultimately, experts emphasize that online privacy is not just a technological issue, but also a cultural one. Only through awareness and changing the way we use technology can we maintain control over our data in an increasingly digital world./ CNA