Computers and the internet have completely transformed our lives. Shopping has never been easier with the rise of e-commerce, our social lives have increasingly moved online, and even traditional sectors like healthcare and education now have a strong digital component. However, as we embrace this digital transformation, we must also grapple with an increasingly important issue: privacy.
Why privacy matters
At the heart of privacy is your ability to choose. In a world without privacy, your freedom of expression is severely limited.
In the 18th century, the philosopher Jeremy Bentham designed a prison guard tower called the "panopticon," a tower with a 360-degree view of the prison using one-way mirrors. Under such surveillance, he reasoned that prisoners would behave compliantly whether or not they were actually being watched. Later philosophers and scientists expanded on the idea and research has shown us that people change their behavior when they perceive themselves as being watched.
In a networking context, this loss of freedom might result in individuals censoring themselves or curating their image not for authenticity but for conformity. Privacy empowers us to be genuine and fosters an environment where authentic connections can flourish.
Privacy and the internet
The internet has made privacy a more pressing issue than ever before because of how easily information can be collected and distributed. Data has been called the "oil" of the twenty-first century, and many multi-billion dollar companies have business models built on exploiting the data they collect. This commodification of personal information underscores the need for tools and platforms that prioritize user privacy.
How to protect your privacy on the internet
Protecting your privacy online doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple tips to help protect your online privacy:
Use good security practices
- Use strong passwords with a mix of different letters, numbers, and characters.
- Use a different password for each account so that if one account is compromised, no other account is compromised.
- Use multi-factor authentication to create additional barriers for attackers.
Beware of social engineering
- Many digital security breaches happen not because of a software vulnerability but because of social engineering, where an attacker gains access by manipulating people. Phishing is a very common tactic where the attacker pretends to be someone reputable like the government or the bank in order to deceive the victim into giving sensitive information.
Control how your information is used
- Due to regulation and social pressure, many websites now give you a choice in how your data is used. Cookies are a large part of this, as they are one of the primary ways in which a website can track your activity. As a result of GDPR, you will get a banner to choose your cookie settings on many websites.
How HiHello prioritizes your privacy
At HiHello, we've built our platform with privacy at its core. Here's how we ensure your information remains secure while you share your contact information and collect others’:
User Control
Privacy is about control, and with HiHello, you have complete control over what information you share and with whom. Customize your digital business card to include only the details you're comfortable sharing. Each HiHello user can create multiple digital business cards to fit the many personas they might have. You can send only professional information to your professional contacts while reserving more personal details for personal connections.
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Business Model
Unlike many other internet businesses, HiHello does not rely on advertising and does not trade or sell your data. For companies that rely on advertising, their "users" are also their product, because it is the users' data that they sell to advertisers. With HiHello, our users are our customers, and we strive to build tools that empower your brand and expression without compromising your privacy.
Compliance and Transparency
Our platform is designed to comply with international privacy laws and regulations. HiHello is SOC 2 Type II compliant and GDPR-ready, and we stay updated on legal requirements to ensure that using HiHello keeps you on the right side of compliance. We are transparent about what we do with your data, and you can learn all about it by reading our privacy notice.
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Embracing the Future Responsibly
Electronic business cards are more than a trend—they're the future of networking. They offer unparalleled convenience and can enhance the way we connect with others. However, with great convenience comes great responsibility, which is why HiHello is built with privacy in mind.
We understand that your personal and professional information is more than just data—it's a representation of who you are. Protecting this information is paramount—not just for compliance with regulations but to maintain the trust and confidence that forms the bedrock of meaningful connections.
Want to learn more about HiHello’s privacy and security practices? See our privacy notice and security pages.
