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Do you use smart devices, social media, and shop online?
Do you know that what you do online and the personal data you provide are collected and shared by the platforms and devices you use?
It's important that you know to what extent your online activities produce data that can be used by others in order to protect your privacy. 🕵️
What data you produce when you're online?
Where you are located is registered through your IP address
Interaction with the website
Where you click and the time you spend on the page
Browser and device
What web browser and device you are using to be online
Browsing activity
How you navigate the internet across websites
Did you know?
One of the most well-known ways that your online activity is tracked is through cookies. Cookies are files that are stored in your web browser when you visit a website. They save information about your interactions with the website. In this way, the browser remembers your user profile and browsing preferences when you visit the website again.
What data do you produce using smart devices and apps?
The Internet of Things (IoT) connects digital devices so they can share information. This makes it easier for your activities and information to be tracked.
The data you introduce and generate using a device might be used by other devices without your explicit consent.
For example:
Location
You share your current location when you connect to a Wi-Fi network, use a device, or interact with an app.
Private conversations
You might be sharing private conversations with digital assistants. These devices might eavesdrop on your conversations if they're on when you are around them.
Lifestyle
You might use apps to organize your activities, shop, and find any kind of recommendations and information. This provides valuable data about your habits and preferences.
Health
Test your knowledge ⚡
Meet Matteo. He loves food. He has a TikTok channel to upload his reviews on the restaurants he visits and uses different apps to order takeout while at home and at work.
Matteo also logs his meals, weight, and physical activity using his smartphone and smartwatch. Some of the data that Matteo shares with his online activities is:
A. His bank account information
B. His schedule for working and leisure hours
C. His location (home, work, and outdoor activities)
D. Health data
Quiz
What data should Matteo be concerned about sharing when he uses these apps? Select all the answers that apply.
Matteo is sharing all that personal data. He should take care to protect his personal information.
How can your data be used?
What can you do to maintain your privacy?
You can continue using your favorite apps and visiting your favorite websites while at the same time protecting your data.
Ask yourself: "How trustworthy are the websites and platforms I use when it comes to protecting my online activity and data?"
Protect your data ⚡
Matteo has decided to take some steps in order to feel safer about the data he shares online. He is thinking about:
A. Creating a new email account and using it to sign up for services he wants to try.
B. Reviewing the privacy settings of the apps he uses.
C. Buying a new smartphone to have a device free of potential security risks.
D. Reconsidering how he connects his devices and apps.
Quiz
What actions would you recommend for Matteo? Select all the answers that apply.
Buying a new device will not help Matteo. He needs to reflect on his habits and be more aware of his online activities.
Take Action
Stay in control of your data while you use the internet!
This Byte has been authored by
JOSÉ LUIS ORTIZ SORIA
Language Teacher | Former Web Developer