This is what some people say when you tell them that their privacy is being taken away: “I have nothing to hide”.
It’s not about hiding. It’s not about keeping your sordid past a secret. It’s the same reason we don’t just run around naked: respect and protection.
You may feel like you aren’t vulnerable, but you are. Not because you’ve done something wrong, but because you are exposed.
When you are exposed, you don’t know what might hurt you.
We wrap ourselves in clothing to protect ourselves from the weather, from embarrassment, from needless injury. It makes sense.
Why would we run around without protection from other forces?
If someone was going through your mail, wouldn’t you be bothered? How is it okay for all of your email and other communications to be monitored and used to study your behavior? Where is the respect?
I know I can’t do certain things without losing some privacy, but I try to be aware of which things they are, and I do weigh the hidden costs with the conveniences. I check permissions on every app, and I will read your privacy policies. (If your link is broken or it is full of typos, I’m a lot less likely to engage.)
I’m a good and honest person, there is little I want or need to hide. But I hate feeling vulnerable. Next time you are tempted to say “I have nothing to hide” in response to a privacy argument, think about how vulnerable it makes us all if we lose what little we have.