Big Data, Big Brother, and You

In light of these developments, some interesting business cases arise to manage privacy, deliver enhanced business services, automate transparency for subscribers, and ensure greater levels of privacy and online anonymity. Perhaps the increased level of data collection will drive a market boom in private networking and private Cloud. Wireless providers could grant their subscribers access to their data records, perhaps as a premium service. CSPs or technology providers could offer "privacy-as-a-service" solutions. And transparency of business practices should be the cornerstone for all CSPs who wish to improve trust and customer loyalty. This transparency could extend not only to public tracking of government requests (similar to what Google does), but also transparency in vendor selection. Huawei, for instance, is being investigated by the U.S. government for building backdoors into its telecom gear to enable Chinese espionage. Ironically, some of the same companies that refuse to buy network gear from Huwaei currently purchase gear from vendors who allegedly supply surveillance equipment to the Chinese--hardware that is used to repress the citizenry and maintain the "Great Firewall of China." Vendor companies that maintain best practices in terms of human rights and privacy could create a coalition to leverage this position. The telecommunications industry as a whole could create a certification, similar to "green" certifications for environmentally friendly business practices, that would indicate positioning on customer privacy. There are many ways for the industry to advocate for security and a better network through data collection without undermining privacy that is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.