One of the things that people should keep in mind shopping online is that companies love to store data. Data about what a person purchases to what types of food they eat and where and how often. The other information that is stored is all of the customer's personal and financial information. Not only are databases collected about a client's clothing preferences and favorite cologne, what credit card they used and its number including security code, their bank account number, and certainly any online information such as e-mail addresses and social networking accounts. Keep in mind that regardless of a company's privacy policies this information is stored and available to retrieve at any time, for any reason, whether disclosed to the client or not.
Another interesting practice of companies is what I like to refer to as Personal Information Entrapment. Where this type of data hoarding appears to be most prolific is with companies that provide employment placement services or large companies that have their own internal recruiting services. In many cases an online profile or account is created. When a job seeker goes to an online placement firm to seek employment they are required to fill out very specific and private data and submit a resume. This in itself does not seem unreasonable. The concern comes when the job seeker decides they wish to have their account closed and information removed from the site. In many cases there is no provision for the job seeker to remove their own personal information. Why does a company need to retain detailed personal information on an individual who is not employed by them or using their services?
When performing any type of online information sharing, whether it is for purchasing goods or services, or seeking employment, consider what the information is that will be shared and to whom it is being shared carefully. Instead of simply clicking the box that indicates one has read and agrees to the privacy terms, actually take the time and read it. Yet, even if the privacy terms seem reasonable and straight forward, they often say nothing regarding the retaining of a person's personal data. This information might not be posted.
Finally if all else fails and a person finds themselves with personal information sitting out on some company server or a service company website that want removed, a friendly phone call to the company usually will result in any of the private or personal information being deleted. In some cases it might be retained for a certain time period and then automatically deleted. The best way to avoid Personal Information entrapment is to make inquiries before supplying the data and making informed decisions.
