What is Data Privacy Week?
The week aims to empower individuals and organisations to better understand how their data is used and ways in which they can safeguard it. This year’s theme is focused on encouraging you to take charge of your data. You can do this by managing your privacy settings, protecting your data, and making informed choices about who you share it with.
Why does Data Privacy Week matter?
Your everyday online interactions generate a wide range of personal information. This information ranges from your interests, purchase history, browsing behaviours, and even physical data, such as your step count from the health app on your phone.
Websites, apps, digital services, and devices gather this information to improve services, personalise content and in some cases, they sell it to third parties. All of this information can be used to build a profile about you.
Have you ever noticed an advert that felt a little too accurate? Our economy is data-driven and personal information has never been more valuable. Your data may be used to target advertising, influence behaviour, or develop business insights. While some of this can be harmless or even helpful, misuse or over‑collection can lead to privacy risks.
How can I gain control over my data?
Although you can’t control every piece of data collected about you, you can manage a lot of what happens on your devices and online accounts. Here are some quick and easy steps you can take to gain control over your data:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Two‑factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your important accounts. After entering your password, you’ll be asked to verify your identity, usually by entering a one‑time code sent to your phone or email. This means that even if someone gets hold of your password, they won’t have access to your account without that second code. You can switch this feature on in the security settings of most online accounts.
Create Strong Complex Passwords – Weak passwords can be cracked in seconds so make sure yours is strong! The easiest way to do this is to use 3 random words and to make it even stronger you can also include capital letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid reusing the same password across all of your accounts. If one is compromised, the rest become vulnerable. Password managers can help you create and safely store strong, unique passwords without having to remember them all.
Check which Apps have Access to your Data – Apps can access your location, microphone, contacts, photos and more. It is important that you regularly review these permissions to ensure that you are only sharing necessary data. Over‑permissioned apps contribute to unnecessary data collection.
Review your Privacy Settings – Visit the privacy settings on your social media accounts to control the information you are sharing. Most platforms will allow you to control your visibility, tracking, and data‑sharing preferences. These can change overtime, so carrying out a regular review can help ensure your settings reflect your comfort level.
Pause before Clicking Links and Sharing your Information – Phishing attacks and misleading websites are some of the most common ways in which personal information is stolen. Slow down and evaluate all links or requests you may receive asking for any personal information.
Protecting data privacy as an ongoing practice
Looking after your data should be a longstanding habit. The online world is everchanging and with AI technologies on the rise, there has never been more ways for your information to be collected or shared. That’s why it’s important to stay mindful of your data privacy.
Simple actions can make a big difference and just taking a moment to regularly review your privacy controls can help you keep your personal information safer over time.
You have the power to take control!
Your data is valuable, so use this Data Privacy Week, as an opportunity to reflect on your digital footprint and make meaningful changes that protect your privacy. By reviewing your settings, keeping informed, and being proactive, you can take charge of your data with ease.
