Whatever happened to privacy? You know, the ability to keep information confidential. In many cases, it's all but disappeared, partly because of today's technology, but also because people are too willing to share confidential information publicly.

Let me give you some examples.

I was on a flight recently from Dallas to Boston. The woman sitting across from me worked in human resources for a major company and was busily working on her laptop and then giving information to her colleague sitting directly behind me. She began talking to him about job offers that had been made, salaries that were being negotiated and personnel reviews. Ironically, I knew the company and several people who worked for that firm. The conversation was overheard by everyone within four rows.

How about the use of cell phones? You've probably heard calls being exchanged that you shouldn't have been privy to. Not too long ago, I was at a convention and went outside the hall to check my voicemail. The person standing near me was talking (very loudly) back to his home office about a new customer, the pricing structure, and the amount of product they were going to be buying. A competitor was standing only a few feet away.

Coming back on a plane from another meeting, an executive for a power tool manufacturer sitting near me was talking to his colleague about a new product they would unveil in a few months. They talked openly about the features and characteristics of the product. They also didn't realize that a competitor was sitting only two rows away, eagerly taking notes.

If you've ever used a laptop in an airport terminal or on a plane, you've probably noticed someone sitting next to you glancing over at what you're working on. (There's a great commercial on television you've probably seen where a guy using his computer in a coffee shop has other patrons straining to see what's on his laptop.) How private is that information? That's why many laptops today have shields on the side preventing information from being seen by seatmates.

Keeping information private is a necessity in today's age. Failing to do so is not only inappropriate, but it can damage your business. And remember: someone is always watching (or listening).

jkeough@reedbusiness.com