How PG&E Employees Can Boost Online Privacy with Smart Data Choices

In today's digital age, online platforms frequently request personal information from users. Whether it's social media or e-commerce, people are often asked to share details like names, email addresses, phone numbers, and even sensitive data such as birth dates and gender. Although common, these requests carry potential risks. Hackers can exploit such data, leading many to adopt a tactic of providing inaccurate information to maintain privacy. This article explores the implications of this approach, both legally and practically, along with strategies to help PG&E employees manage their personal data online.

Why Do People Share Inaccurate Information?

Entering false information when signing up for websites has become widespread.  According to John Davisson, Chief Counsel and Director of Justice at the Privacy Information Center , this tactic is often used to guard against data breaches or to prevent companies from using personal data for targeted advertising or selling to data brokers. For PG&E employees, this method serves as a privacy measure.

Popular U.S. websites like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo generally don’t verify user-provided information, making it simple for individuals to create accounts using pseudonyms or alternate birthdates.  Thorin Klosowski, a privacy advocate at the Electronic Frontier Foundation , often uses inaccurate information for non-essential services to maintain his privacy.

Pros and Cons of Trusting Online Service Providers

Pros:

• Privacy Management:  Using fictitious data can reduce the risk of real data exposure in case of a breach.

• Ease of Use:  Many platforms don’t require verification, allowing PG&E employees to easily use alternative details.

Cons:

• Account Recovery Issues:  If an account is compromised, it may be challenging to recover if one does not remember the provided details.

• Legal and Service Issues:  Providing false data is typically legal if it’s not fraudulent; however, it may violate a platform's terms of service and result in account suspension.

Legal Framework and Intent

Under the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act , entering false information only becomes a legal issue if it involves unauthorized system access.  The Department of Justice clarifies that entering inaccurate data does not constitute an offense unless it causes harm or misuse . Michael P. Heiskell, former president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, notes that legal liability is based on intent. If the purpose is to maintain privacy rather than commit fraud, PG&E employees generally remain within legal bounds.

Practical Considerations

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

When using inaccurate information, it’s important to consider future verification needs. For example, car rental companies and some merchants require that identification match online details, which can complicate matters if inaccurate data is used. Additionally, essential services like tax documentation or healthcare benefits require accurate details, especially for PG&E employees.

Strategies for Managing Personal Data

To balance privacy and convenience, consider these approaches:

1. Use a Secondary Email Address:  For non-essential services, use a different email to keep your primary inbox free of spam and other unwanted messages.

2. Evaluate Information Sharing:  Share personal information only when necessary, especially with services tied to financial or employment benefits.

3. Review Platform Policies:  Understand the terms of service for each platform and potential consequences of providing inaccurate data.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to provide accurate or false information online involves weighing privacy, digital identity, and security considerations. As digital platforms evolve, so must our strategies for managing personal data in a connected world. PG&E employees, in particular, should consider the benefits and risks carefully, aligning actions with legal boundaries and personal data needs.

For individuals aged 60 and older, who may be transitioning to retirement, cybersecurity is especially relevant.  A 2019 study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)  found that those over 60 are more vulnerable to identity fraud, partly due to extensive financial histories and less familiarity with digital protocols. Using strong password practices and carefully considering the personal information shared online is essential. This also includes being thoughtful about when using inaccurate information is prudent to help prevent identity theft.