With about 217 million smartphones in our pockets, Americans are
more connected to the world, our families and friends than ever.
We're also more connected to our bank accounts than ever. While
that helps many consumers stay in better control of their
finances and budgets, it also means that the power to spend is
as easy as the click of a button, whether intended or not. These
smartphones, mobile devices and the multitude of apps and other
online functions also usually include never-read disclosure
agreements that allow developers to sell and share sensitive
consumer data. None of that is news, of course. However, what we
don't read (end-user license agreements, and such) can hurt us.
And although we may accept that companies will use our data in
some ways, one needs look no further than t he recent outcry
that resulted when online photo sharing site Instagram announced
that it would be selling the photo's of its users, without
compensation to them. There are many other examples of consumers
concerned over th