February 5, 2025
Digital Literacy: Why Is Privacy Important?
Why is Privacy Important?
Personal protection against theft is the most important reason to be aware of privacy online. All of your personal details, including your name, address, and browsing habits, can easily be exploited by hackers and cybercriminals.
We’re constantly sharing information online, whether we are aware of it or not. From social media, online shopping, or just browsing the news, we’re sharing our digital currency with every click and view.
It begs the questions: how often do we stop to think about where our data is going? Who has access to it? And why is personal privacy important to protect?
The answers lie in the concept of digital literacy, which is the ability to navigate, understand, and protect your personal data online. It’s no longer optional. Knowing how to manage your privacy is essential for keeping your identity, finances, and any other information secure.
When your privacy settings are weak (think: easy to guess like your birthday), then identity theft is a major risk. Your stolen data can be used for a number of fraudulent activities like bank fraud or credit card theft.
Tip: Always use a strong password and avoid including any identifying details.
Data exploitation is another common way that your privacy can be manipulated online. Have you ever felt like ads are a little too personal or maybe too accurate to your needs? If you feel like your devices are eavesdropping, it’s likely because large companies are constantly collecting your data, tracking your habits and interests. It helps businesses fine tune their targeted marketing strategies but it, unfortunately, means that your data is likely being sold or used in ways that you do not even realize.
Tip: Stay on top of your privacy settings on individuals websites and limit apps’ abilities to collect data during use.
You might be aware of the risk of online scams or fraud but you might not know just how complex and realistic phishing scams have become. Cybercriminals can use leaked personal information to trick people into revealing their passwords, credit card details, home address, and other private data. Although it does not take very much, the more information they have, the easier it is for them to mimic the appearance of being a trusted source.
Tip: Never click on links in emails or messages, even if it appears to be from a legitimate company.
Even if you consider yourself to be an open and forthcoming person, remember that not everything about your life needs to be shared online. Your location, job, or any personal details about your life should be saved for trusted, real-life friendships. Oversharing can quickly blur the line between public and private exposure. This is especially important for protecting your career prospects. Be aware that potential employers can use the information they find online to inform their hiring decisions.
Tip: Regularly Google yourself to see if any of your personal information appears in online searches.
Freedom of speech is a precious right and, to some, is closely linked to the world of online privacy. Without protections, individuals might be monitored or even censored. Even with the mundane topics of everyday life, protecting privacy can equate to the protections of individuals being able to express their opinions freely.
