Thanks to smartphones, store card purchases, sharing biometric data with health and fitness apps, or even posting on social media, more and more information about our lives can be found online.
While this interconnectedness broadens our opportunities, it also exposes us to significant risks such as data breaches, identity theft, and surveillance.
In the real world, we can take steps to protect our privacy, but it's crucial to understand what data we are sharing online, who is using it, for what purposes, and how we can control and manage its use and distribution.
The origins of Data Privacy Day
Data Privacy Day, also known as International Privacy Day, is an important event aimed at raising public awareness about the risks associated with sharing personal data. It was initiated by the Council of Europe in 2007, commemorating the signing of the Council of Europe’s Data Protection Convention, or ‘Convention 108,’ on 28 January 1981.
This convention is regarded as the first binding international instrument in the field of data protection. It established the foundational principles that have been further developed and integrated into current regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
How to protect your privacy
Understanding the significant impact of sharing personal information is crucial for data protection. After all, we constantly leave a data trail—a record of our activities and behaviours—through our posts on social media and forums. Furthermore, when we sign up for services or make purchases, we are typically required to provide personal information.
While there are instances where sharing specific information is necessary, such as financial details during a transaction, we must challenge the necessity of other information requests.
In light of this, we must remain vigilant and informed about the potential threats to our privacy. We need to understand of how our personal data may be collected, stored, and used by various entities, including corporations, government agencies, and online platforms.
Here are some practical steps you can take to enhance your privacy online:
· Limit the personal information you share on social media. While it’s tempting to post photos and videos, doing so can compromise your privacy. If you choose to share, use the privacy settings on the platform or browser to protect your information.
· Pause and think before clicking links or opening attachments from unknown emails. Phishing scams are on the rise, and many are quite convincing. Always think twice before opening anything from unfamiliar senders.
· Know your privacy rights under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. These laws protect personal data by regulating how organisations collect, store, and use it, giving individuals greater control over their privacy.
· Opt out of data collection using universal preference signals, also known as a universal opt-out mechanism (UOOM) or Global Privacy Control (GPC). This feature allows you to select your privacy preferences on websites. Setting it up in your browser is quick and easy.
Data Privacy Day is every day
Data Privacy Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of privacy in our digital lives and encourage us to take steps to protect our personal information. Simple actions, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious about what we share, can make a significant difference. So, it's important to bear in mind how every digital transaction may impact us, and for good reason—our personal data is just that: personal. So, we should all make sure to keep it safe.
For more information on cyber protection and how Clear can help, refer to our Cyber Liability page.
