Final answer:
Evidence that weakens the counterclaim regarding online privacy includes the disregard for the increasing number of online harassment and data theft cases, as well as external efforts to protect users, such as state privacy laws. The Pew Research Center's statistics on concerns about online privacy and legal debates on government surveillance further underscore the complexities beyond individual control.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a counterclaim, particularly in the context of online privacy, security, and control, it is essential to identify parts of the argument that are not well-supported by facts or data. In the sample student paragraph provided, evidence weakening the counterclaim could involve asserting that the Internet invasiveness is a result of individual behavior (a & d), which disregards the increasing cases of online harassment and data theft. On the other hand, statement (c) about states enacting online privacy laws could be a strong refutation since it shows that users are not solely responsible for their privacy, and that there are external efforts to protect them.
One of the ways the opposition’s argument is weakened is by pointing out the gap between individual responsibility and systemic issues such as government surveillance and the legal framework surrounding digital data. The student can mention the Pew Research Center's findings as a testament to the rising concern over online privacy and the tangible implications, such as an increase in reported cyber harassment and the theft of personal information. These concerns underscore the seriousness of the issue and the shared responsibility between individuals and institutions to uphold online privacy and security. Moreover, the constitutional debate on whether government access to cyber information violates the Fourth Amendment, illustrates that individual fault is not the primary issue in many of these privacy disputes.