Customer Reviews

Privacy Lost: How Technology Is Endangering Your Privacy

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When it comes to books and hype, there is not often a distinction when it comes to marketing. At least this is the case with Privacy Lost: How Technology is Endangering Your Privacy by David H. Holtzman (2006, 352 pages, Josey-Bass, ISBN 0787985112). The cover touts "A technologist, Former Security Analyst, and Military Codebreaker Tells You What You Need To Know About Your Privacy", and the forward is written by US Senator Evan Bayh.

All of this glitz does not cover the fact that the book does not break any new ground in privacy literature, and that the author does not necessarily break any new ground in the existing literature on privacy issues. However, the book does address one thing not covered with the focus of other books: protection of your on-line and real life personal brand.
Take by itself, readers will find the book enlightening if they have not read anything else on the topic. Holtzman begins by covering what he considers to be the seven sins against privacy (which is perhaps the strongest part of the book), and discussions of the collateral damage to society. He then covers why he feels technology is key to our loss of privacy. He endeavors to cover the context of our view of privacy and privacy law, but falls short in this area, He also goes on to discuss the existing and growing threats to our privacy. He talks about the invasion of our privacy by marketers (again, nothing new here). The book wraps up by talking about ways to fight back. One particular approach that I personally like is to be the curmudgeon, or fighting to not give up information when requested. Sure they may already have it, but at least one can sleep at night thinking they are fighting back.

As a whole, the book takes too superficial a look at the issues, without doing into adequate background and depth. This is where the book gets swallowed up in its own hype cycle and falls short of other privacy titles. There is no doubt that the author has background and experience. It just does not translate effectively in this book. It is also ironic that he was once the chief technology officer for Network Solutions, which makes customers pay extra to protect their private information.

Who Should Read This Book?

If someone has only a cursory interest on the topic, this book will be adequate. However, a book that is a much better read and covers the background, growth and tensions in privacy would be better served to read The Digital Person: Technology And Privacy In The Information Age by Daniel Solove.

The Scorecard

Par on an average Par 4 playing downwind.

What David H. Holtzman has set out to accomplish in this book is not to give the most complex picture of the privacy debate, and it's clearly not a bound and published research paper directed at experts in the topic. Rather this is a book directed at readers who might go about their lives as usual, but may be a bit bothered by all the data they are asked to give out on themselves every day. Holtzman explains where that concern comes from, why you are justified in your concern, and finally suggests tactics to cope with our swiftly changing world.

Holtzman's interest in pseudonymity, and the distinction between it and anonymity is a recurring theme throughout the book, and clearly a cultural and social issue which is swimming just under the public consciousness.

It is a quick read and the clarity with which Holtzman breaks down the issue is one of the books strongest points. As the other reviewers have suggested, the 'Seven Sins Against Privacy' section alone will provide a reader with a plethora of material for spooky, entertaining, and intriguing small talk.

David Holtzman's book is just what the public needs...in very clear kitchen english he conveys some very important information about your (i.e. MY) privacy and the internet. I found the book approachable and fun to read...it sparked my imagination far more than some other books on similar topics. Buy this and then do not let in languish beside your chair; read it. And think about what you learn. The book is worth purchasing just for the "Seven Deadly Sins Against Privacy" if nothing else. What a great TV documentary you could make using this book as a guide. If you need more than this book then you need to hire an expert and dish out some big money.

Although the author is quite authoritative and updated about technology, he is just lobbying too hard against advertising and enforcement breaching privacy of citizens.
I think this would make a better book without the complaining and more information about what can computers do when they label us and track us.

Warning: If you don't want to get a little nervous every time you are asked to give out your personal information online, don't read this book. If you want to be savvy about protecting your privacy online and in our increasingly automated world, then read it forthwith.

As a casual technology user, I found this book easy to manage, informative, and entertaining at times. What I found particularly interesting, were Holtzman's descriptions of the evolution of internet culture. Included in this are some fascinating predictions about how people will use the internet in the immediate future, and what steps will be necessary to guarantee their privacy.

Every modern consumer should read this book, and somebody ought to capitalize on Holtzman's internet forecasts.