Government website played ‘name game’- and won
By ANNETTE CHURCH, Special to CPN
My spine suddenly felt as if someone had plugged it into a high-voltage outlet. The sensation was a combination of chills and heightened sensitivity throughout my body. With another stare at my computer monitor, there was no denying it. The document on my computer screen was inconsistent with what I held in my hands.
I had been doing work for a client on a government website. At the close of the assignment, I was required to enter my first and last name. Protocol required me to print the final page, which showed my name and details about when I completed the work.
I was holding the printed confirm-ation page. I expected it to mirror the image of what I was viewing on the computer screen.
This was a familiar site for me. What appeared on the monitor looked the same as it had in the preceding times I had worked there. I entered my first and last name. There was no space or area anywhere for me to provide my middle initial or middle name. There never had been one during my use of this site and there was not one on this particular occasion.
Reflected on the confirmation page were my first name and last name. However, there was also my maiden name on the printed document – something I had never provided to this website. It was appropriately placed.
But I had not entered my maiden name or initial that evening. Moreover, there had never been a time when I provided my maiden name or initial while using that site.
And wouldn’t you know it? This was an evening I was the last one left in the office. It was late. Was I seeing things?
Abruptly, I recalled a state-ment an old friend made 12 years ago: “Those computers are just the eyes of someone staring at you!”
The remark was part of a conversation regarding our government’s ability to have access to any person’s computer use – past or present. This was before identity theft or someone accessing an online shopper’s credit card account information was so prolific.
Back then, I thought he was the one on the silly side. Guess who’s laughing now?
I cannot claim to have expertise in computer technology. Nonetheless, I am aware some employers are able to shadow employees’ computer monitors and have a real-time view of the screen the employee is seeing. There are assorted spyware products available and digital forensics can show a computer user’s Internet search history.
Certainly a case can be made for an employer’s justification to ascertain the work of the employee. At this point in time, the computer-using public is generally aware of the need to safeguard private information such as bank account numbers.
Since 9/11, the topic of invasion of personal privacy is an issue discussed every day. I accept the fact that when I am accessing a federal government site, my activity there could be scrutinized. However, the incident I experienced still startled me.
Again, the only personal information I provided to this particular site was my first and last name, along with my employer’s name and contact information. I am aware there are numerous other individuals with whom I share the same first and last name. Yet in the computer universe, someone or something recognized it was me, not another person with the same name.
The direct connection made to me was surprising and left me with a feeling of uncomfortable vulnerability.
I never doubted our government’s ability to know my online history. My amazement was in experiencing the direct link made to me regardless of the limited amount of information given. And I still find it strange that what I printed out was not reflected on the screen. Even a few computer-savvy individuals noted surprise in what occurred.
This experience served as a caution flag. For a period of time I avoided online purchases.
Then I contemplated the multiple places I have made myself open to such vulnerability. I have provided personal information over time to Facebook, LinkedIn and other professional and community organizations by way of the Internet.
Grasping my own accountability was another surprise. It has taken place over time, as I became more comfortable using sites and sharing. I have contributed to the placement of some quantity to the information floating through the Internet about myself. I am responsible for the material I have elected to make available. I am now much more selective with what I share and with whom.
Discovering we are vastly and intimately more connected through our computer use than I had ever considered can still bring me hesitation at times. I continue to be a frequent user of the same website because it is necessary professionally. Yet I have a tiny bit of personal rebellion that brings a bit of solace.
I still do not provide my middle, maiden name or initial, even though the site now provides a place to do so. They know it is me again anyway.
Editor’s note: Annette G. Church is an N.C. State Bar-certified paralegal with Ted A. Greve and Associates of Charlotte.
