Sample 1:

There are growing concerns today about the storage of private data by major internet companies like Facebook and Google. In my opinion, the disadvantages of this trend outweigh its conveniences.

These companies themselves would argue their intentions are primarily to provide better services. This relates first of all to advertising. Facebook, for example, tracks user behaviour and then allows advertisers to target audience segments in order to show them relevant advertising. An individual might therefore see ads related to the kinds of restaurants and music they enjoy most. Secondly, the information is used to create helpful services for consumers. Google maps is a good example of an entirely free platform used by millions that follows individuals, sells information to businesses, and makes life more convenient without any obvious drawbacks or pernicious intent.

However, the misuse of big data has begun already and will only become worse in the future. The advertisements targeted at individuals are not always harmless. During the last presidential election in the United States, foreign governments sought out vulnerable groups and fed them false information to influence voting behaviour. Unethical companies use the advanced targeting tools in the same way, often locating vulnerable individuals and encouraging their worst impulses by indulging coping mechanisms ranging from fast food to barely legal pharmaceuticals. This is only the beginning as this information becomes more comprehensive there are legitimate concerns that authoritarian regimes working in tandem with companies will be able to create all-knowing police states and human rights abuses will become the norm.

In conclusion, the marginal benefits of access to personal information by private companies do not outweigh both current and future negatives. It is therefore important that governments regulate companies and individuals attempt to take back a degree of control.

Sample 2:

The practice of storing private information of users on companies' servers is a major topic of concern these days. Although there are some benefits to consider for both the customers and the companies, the drawbacks in terms of data privacy seem greater.

The act of creating and maintaining a database of the personal information of users is beneficial in a few aspects. Utilising machine learning and big data technologies, a company may understand their customers better. This means that companies may provide better services or make products that exactly suit customer needs. In addition to this, it would be more convenient for users when they continue to use the product or service of that company. Those who use electronic wallets, for example, may get their online transactions done in a matter of seconds if their identity and biometric data are already on the system.

Despite these advantages, when the personal data of a user is kept on the database of their product or service provider, they may have to deal with more significant disadvantages. The first is that companies may sell this data to advertising agencies, who will then use it to bombard the user with a huge number of advertisements on all digital media platforms and social networks, be it a news website or even Facebook. The result of this is often that the user is annoyed constantly when they use the Internet. From an information security perspective, this practice is even more problematic as there is a risk that sensitive data of the user is compromised. In this scenario, hackers may use the data they steal to blackmail the user or illegally withdraw money from the user's bank accounts.

In summary, storing private data of users on the system of a company is a common practice that not only creates convenience for the users and helps the company improve customer experience. The advantages, however, are dwarfed by substantial disadvantages, including personal data security breach and the annoyance from advertisements the user has to experience when they are online.

Sample 3:

In an era where digital footprints are as significant as physical ones, the collection of personal information by large internet companies and organizations has become a pervasive reality. This essay contends that the benefits derived from this practice marginally outweigh the disadvantages, particularly in the spheres of personalization of services and security enhancements, despite legitimate concerns regarding privacy and data misuse.

Central to the argument in favor of data collection is the bespoke nature of modern digital services. For instance, data analytics allow for the tailoring of advertisements and content to individual preferences, enhancing user experience and efficiency. Google's use of search history to refine future search results is a prime example, where this personalization saves invaluable time daily for countless users. Furthermore, the aggregation of data plays a pivotal role in security, where unusual patterns of behavior can be flagged to prevent fraud. The detection of atypical transactions by banking institutions, safeguarding individuals' financial assets, underscores this advantage.

Conversely, the accumulation of personal data is not devoid of drawbacks. Privacy concerns are paramount, with incidents of data breaches exposing sensitive information, leading to identity theft and financial loss. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was used to influence voter behavior, illustrates the potential for misuse in the hands of the unscrupulous. Additionally, the omnipresent nature of targeted advertising raises questions about the psychological impact of such relentless personalization, suggesting a potential for manipulation and the erosion of individual autonomy.

In conclusion, while the apprehensions regarding privacy and the potential for misuse are well-founded, the advantages of tailored services and enhanced security measures present a compelling case for the continued, albeit regulated, collection of personal information by large internet entities. It is the delicate balance between innovation and individual rights that will dictate the future trajectory of this practice, necessitating a vigilant and adaptive approach to data governance.

Sample 4:

In our digitally dominated world, the vast repositories of personal data held by internet behemoths stir a profound debate. This essay posits that, while there are undeniable risks, the merits of enhanced service personalization and security significantly tip the scales in favor of this data collection, albeit with necessary safeguards.

Foremost among the advantages is the customization of digital experiences, where personal data serves as the cornerstone for delivering highly tailored services. For example, streaming platforms like Netflix use viewing history to recommend shows and movies, significantly enriching user engagement and satisfaction. This personalized approach not only streamlines content discovery but also fosters a more intimate connection between services and their users. Equally important is the role of data in bolstering security. Advanced algorithms analyze personal information to detect and thwart potential cyber threats, a critical defense in an era where digital vulnerabilities are increasingly exploited. The preemptive identification of fraudulent activity on financial platforms illustrates how personal data can act as a bulwark against cybercrime, safeguarding both assets and personal security.

However, the collection of personal information is not without its pitfalls. Privacy infringement and the potential for data misuse loom large, with incidents such as unauthorized data access and exploitation casting a shadow over the benefits. Moreover, the psychological effects of relentless personalization, potentially leading to echo chambers and decreased exposure to diverse perspectives, warrant consideration.

Conclusively, the judicious use of personal data by large internet entities, underscored by robust privacy measures and transparent practices, presents a net positive for society. The advantages of personalized services and strengthened security measures outweigh the risks, provided that individuals' rights and data integrity are paramount. This equilibrium between utility and privacy encapsulates the nuanced stance necessary for navigating the digital age responsibly.

Sample 5:

Nowadays, private information of many people is stored by different organizations, and big internet companies. There are both benefits and drawbacks of this new aspect of our daily life because, even though it is possible to find useful information easily in case of serious crimes, this comes at the cost of privacy. In my opinion, due to this latter aspect, the continuous acquisition of personal information by web-based companies and other organizations can be more disadvantageous than advantageous in the long run.

The tendency that today personal information is acquired by internet companies and some organizations can be useful in case of important investigations to find individuals who are guilty of serious crimes. Unfortunately, though many crimes are yet to be checked, law enforcement agencies and governments are putting a lot of effort into curbing them, and this causes social alarm by endangering life of many people. As a consequence, the possibility to acquire personal information by internet companies and other organizations especially in case of worrisome crimes, such as felonies related to terrorism or organized crime, can be very useful to end an investigation successfully. In addition, because this information can also be used to prevent these crimes, which can be of great advantage for society as a whole.

On the contrary, the acquisition of private information by these web companies and organizations can seriously damage our life because in this manner we will not have privacy anymore. We will be influenced by them in deciding what kind of product to purchase, and many people will have access to this information to commit frauds against us. Furthermore, considering freedom as a consequence of respect of our rights and of our privacy, we can affirm that when there is a widespread knowledge of our personal information, we are not free anymore because some people can put in place coercive actions towards us for any reason. For example, the government of the German Democratic Republic, also called East Germany, knew the habits of about half of the population, and used this information to persecute individuals who had different political views.

In conclusion, although private information acquired by Internet companies and other organizations can be useful in case of criminal investigations, this comes at the cost of the loss of privacy. Weighing these two options, I believe that accessibility to personal information by these companies can damage our life in the long run.