IntroductionTechnology is one of the most influential driving forces in society. Most countries rely on technological advances to maintain a sustainable economy. Most of today's daily tasks are almost or completely impossible without the existence of computers. In today's era, sharing and gathering information is no longer supplementary, but essential. The enormous amount of data circulating on the Internet is both a blessing and a curse. Information is so freely available that with each new innovation it seems like privacy is slowly vanishing. Given that sensitive data is exchanged so frequently, not only should online privacy be a corporate social responsibility for companies with an online presence, but it should also be an ethical responsibility for consumers. Companies must do more to protect their customers' information in order to maintain credibility and ethical strength. The business model of any company with an online presence must place the highest priority on protecting customer information. Furthermore, consumers of online products and services cannot assume that their privacy is free from any form of invasion. The responsibility to protect privacy should not fall entirely on the company, but should also rest with consumers. A collaborative effort to protect privacy is much more effective than the blame-shifting that currently occurs. Corporate Responsibility The current direction in which most online businesses are moving is creating a lot of backlash from critics and consumers of online services and products. Invasion of privacy is often the result of companies mishandling the personal information or intellectual property of... middle of paper... and should help in any way they can to ensure the continued well-being and security of the community. Expecting excessive privacy protection from online companies and not taking some responsibility is equivalent to blaming police officers for a burglary when the homeowners left their front door unlocked all night. Protecting personal data becomes extremely difficult when consumers openly invite invaders to violate their privacy. Although a significant part of the responsibility should be shouldered by companies, it is impossible for them to guarantee 100% protection of personal information if consumers voluntarily expose the information online. Consumers should make an effort to protect their personal information online and expect companies to assist them in circumstances beyond their control.