Data mining is defined by the National Institutes of Health as “the process of automatic discovery of novel and understandable models and patterns from large amounts of data”(Zaki et al.1). In layman’s terms, data mining can be described as the collection and subsequent analyzation of information. Data mining on the Internet is unique because numerous fields rely on this practice. Specifically, data mining is becoming increasingly popular amongst businesses as they strive to increase their profits. Advertising and marketing companies have the ability to build whole profiles based on people’s data. If people frequently buy certain products, companies may track these purchases and other information to attain a greater understanding of their customers.
The prevalence of data mining controversies in the news has sparked public conversations about whether the use of data mining is infringing on people’s rights. Arguments exist that security and privacy breaches pose a threat to the wellbeing of the general public. The people whose data is being mined have not seemed to reach a definitive conclusion about data mining. The medical community and law enforcement rely on data mining to track important patterns. From their viewpoint, data mining may be seen as a positive practice that benefits the community. Even so, it can be dangerous when organizations treat people differently based on the conclusions they make through mining.
As it does in the non-virtual world, the grouping of people can easily reveal stereotypes and further racial prejudices. When police comb through social media to uncover criminal activity, this can directly reduce the harm that others suffer at the hands of a criminal. On the other hand, police may look too closely at certain communities, which can continue a vicious cycle of discrimination. In an article published by the Rochester Institute of Technology Scholar Works, the author writes, “Data mining, being a technological artifact, is worthy of study from an ethical perspective due to its increasing importance in decision making, both in the private as well as public sectors” (Cook 4).
It has become increasingly evident that the present rise of technology is coupled with notable downsides. Some scholars and criticizers of data mining claim that the practice infringes upon users’ rights. Legally, the Supreme Court has not reached a unanimous decision as to whether or not citizens’ data should have guaranteed privacy. Many people are conveying their concerns and discomfort with the practice of data mining. One scholar has claimed that individualism, a primary value of all Americans, is being squandered by data mining.
Even though a myriad of potential problems exist, it can be difficult to ignore the positive aspect of data mining. Law enforcement officials are using data mining to identify terrorists. Medical experts are compiling data that could help people to lead healthier lives. Data mining is allowing a variety of businesses to streamline their marketing and advertising efforts to increase their profits. The contrasting viewpoints that exist about data mining call into question the extent to which the potential pros of public wellbeing and increased business profits outweigh the meaningful security and privacy concerns of the practice.
Internet Data Mining 