Fact or Fiction? 4 Common Misconceptions About Digital Privacy – Technologist

We often take the actual cost of the internet for granted. Although using websites, services, and apps might be free, our information and privacy are usually the trade-offs.

There is rising concern about the amount of personal data we are sharing as artificial intelligence advances. There are also concerns about its storage and, more significantly, its use by companies like Facebook.

This post will debunk some of the most widespread myths that individuals have about digital privacy. You will gain confidence in knowing what information about you is and isn’t visible online as you learn how to take your security more seriously with each point.

Research has shown that consumers are slowly waking up to the importance of privacy in their lives. In their 2023 Consumer Privacy Survey, Cisco found that more consumers are taking affirmative action each year to protect privacy. It includes changing services and suppliers to better protect themselves.

1- Not Everyone Wants To Track Your Activity

One of the biggest misconceptions about privacy is that no one is interested in monitoring you. In actual fact, there are so many people and services actively trying to find out as much as possible about you. This can be because they want to monetize and sell this information to advertisers or use gathered intel in cybercrime.

For example, Internet service providers (ISPs) are one of the biggest culprits in collecting large amounts of customer data on internet use. Through this, they can find lots of sensitive information about you, including what websites you visit and when, whether you stream or play games online, how many devices you have connected at home, and much more.

A report from the Federal Trade Commission in 2021 found that some ISPs were actively collecting more data than required. While many had disclaimers stating that personal data is never sold to outside parties, there was a distinct lack of information in other ways. The company might monetize data or whether they buy it themselves.

2- Incognito Mode Keeps Everything Private

Many assume that turning on their browser’s incognito mode is enough to keep their online activity anonymous. Unfortunately, this is not true.

Incognito mode stops browsing and search history and cookies from being recorded. Yes, it can be a useful privacy feature if you use a shared computer and want to hide your activity from other users. However, it is not the robust privacy tool many people believe it is.

That’s because even with incognito mode active. The websites you visit and your internet service provider can still monitor and track your activity. Thankfully, there is an easy way to enjoy total privacy when browsing online – by using a proxy extension. This tool is like a lightweight version of a VPN and can easily encrypt browser activity on unsecured websites and Wi-Fi networks without fail.

3- Every Website Is Protecting My Information

Legislation and policy are constantly evolving to protect consumers. However, many websites, apps, and services do not do enough to protect online users.

As such, your information may be at risk because of two core issues: poor data protection from the company and poor terms and conditions. A rise in data breaches from companies worldwide has also shown that companies are not doing enough to protect their customers.

In 2021, for example, sensitive information from over 533 million Facebook users was leaked online, to worldwide horror.

The information included users’ full names, locations, phone numbers, and email addresses, causing massive reputational damage to the platform and a subsequent fine of over $276 million by Ireland’s Data Commissioner.

4- If the Wi-Fi Network Has A Password, It’s Protected

How we connect to the internet can be just as important as how we use it, especially regarding digital privacy. Many public Wi-Fi networks are hotspots for surveillance and data protection issues.

Most of these networks are free, and many businesses use them to attract customers to their premises and share their information. Despite being behind a password, there is no guarantee that the network in question is safe or is handling your data appropriately.

Besides cybercriminals, consumers must be mindful of the internet service providers behind these networks. You often need to create an account or give them personal details like your email or phone number to log on successfully. This can, in itself, be a serious privacy concern.

You should only connect to these unsecured networks using a virtual private network (VPN). This tool encrypts your internet traffic, even on public Wi-Fi networks, enhancing your defenses and ensuring that no personal information is readily available online.

5- I Have No Control Over My Online Reputation

Maintaining your online reputation can be difficult, but it is not impossible. You can take measures to safeguard your digital footprint by being careful about the information you disclose online. Using Google alerts is the best way to find out wherever you are discussed online.

Keep an eye on your social media activities, periodically assess your online presence, and think about limiting the accessibility of your information by utilizing privacy settings. Furthermore, you can monitor and respond to unfavorable content by using online reputation management tools.

Understanding the myths surrounding digital privacy is essential to safeguarding your personal data. By debunking these myths and implementing the necessary actions, you can effectively improve your online privacy. Remember that you have the right to decide how your data is used and that it is valuable. So, always check the privacy settings and update them whenever you create an account online.