The Ethical Implications of Shadow Profiles: Examining the Collection and Use of Other People’s Data

Investigating Shadow Profiles: The Data of Others

The Existence and Creation of Shadow Profiles

Shadow profiles, which contain information about individuals who are not members of social networks, have become a collective problem for society. These profiles, also known as unofficial profiles, are created by social networks based on the information shared by a person’s contacts. Even if you are not a member of a social network, the network may still have information about you, allowing them to create a virtual file, or a shadow profile, that reveals details about your interests, beliefs, location, and more.

The creation of shadow profiles starts with the sharing of an address book with a messenger service, providing the service with contact data and the ability to establish connections between individuals. Over time, through messages, photos, group memberships, comments, and likes shared by a person’s circle of friends, the network pieces together the puzzle of their shadow profile. It’s important to note that this happens unintentionally, without any malicious intent or consent from the person being profiled.

Types and Legality of Shadow Profiles

Shadow profiles exist in various forms. A partial shadow profile is generated when someone has an account with a social network but does not share certain personal information, and the network fills in the missing information with data from their contacts. A full shadow profile is created when someone doesn’t have an account with a social network but the company still creates a profile of them based on information from their contacts. Additionally, a shadow profile can be partially recovered even after a person deletes their account, as the network retains indirect information provided by the person’s contacts.

While our instinct might tell us that shadow profiles should be illegal, there is currently a legal loophole surrounding them. Existing data protection laws in Germany mainly address digital data alteration and data espionage, which do not directly cover the creation of shadow profiles. The data remains intact, and the access to such data is usually voluntarily provided by the users themselves within the network.

The Need for Collective Responsibility and Multidisciplinary Solutions

Addressing the issue of shadow profiles requires a collective approach rather than individualized solutions. Privacy is not just an individual phenomenon but a collective responsibility. David Garcia, a researcher at the Center for Human | Data | Society (CHDS) at the University of Konstanz, emphasizes that individual solutions alone will not fully protect our privacy. He suggests preventing centralized data collection and establishing regulations and standards that prevent shadow profiling and ensure greater transparency.

Garcia is exploring technical approaches, such as creating “information noise,” to protect individuals from shadow profiles. This involves feeding networks with automated false data, rendering the shadow profiles worthless. However, this approach risks creating false histories as well.

It’s important to note that finding a solution to shadow profiles requires a multidisciplinary perspective that considers individual rights, legal aspects, and cultural implications. Liane Wörner, the director of the CHDS and a professor of law, emphasizes the need to shape a data-driven world with conscientiousness and wisdom. Collaboration between fields such as law, computer science, and cultural studies is essential in addressing the ethical and legal implications of data collection and misuse.

The Future of Data Privacy and Regulations

The existing data privacy issues surrounding shadow profiles raise questions about what data is protected, when data sharing is permitted, and whether current data protection laws adequately address these matters. While there are provisions for fines imposed on social networks for violations, the application of these regulations to shadow profiles remains uncertain.

Regulations need to be constantly reevaluated and adapted to the evolving landscape of data privacy and the digital world. The Center for Human | Data | Society aims to lead the way in developing joint concepts for data sharing and promoting meaningful data environments that consider the rights of individuals and the collective well-being of society.

Conclusion

Shadow profiles in social networks present a significant challenge to individual privacy and collective responsibility. The creation and existence of these profiles, although not illegal under current laws, raise important ethical concerns. To protect individuals from shadow profiles, a holistic approach that combines technical, legal, and cultural perspectives is necessary. By promoting transparency, preventing centralized data collection, and exploring innovative solutions, it is possible to navigate the complex landscape of data privacy and create a more meaningful and responsible data-driven world.