Your Privacy Matters: Taking Back Control of Your Data
Understand why your privacy is important and learn how you can take back control of your personal data.
In this age of technology, where our lives are increasingly intertwined with digital platforms and devices, it is crucial to understand the importance of privacy and take back control of our data. With the rapid advancement of technology, our personal information is constantly being collected, stored, and used by various entities. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of where and how our data is being used, and to take proactive steps to protect our privacy.
The Value of Privacy
Privacy is a fundamental human right that allows us to maintain control over our personal information. It is the ability to choose what information we share, with whom, and for what purpose. In today's digital landscape, our data is often collected by companies, governments, and other organizations without our explicit consent. This data can be used for targeted advertising, surveillance, or even sold to third parties.
These Personal Identifiable Information (PII) can be used in social engineering attacks, which would allow attackers to steal your identity or even get access to your accounts just with your basic information.
By taking control of our data, we can safeguard our personal information from misuse and protect ourselves from potential harm. It empowers us to make informed decisions about how our data is used and ensures that our privacy is respected.
Understanding Data Collection
One of the first steps in taking back control of our data is understanding how it is collected. Many websites and apps use cookies, tracking pixels, and other technologies to gather information about our online activities. This data can include our browsing history, location, preferences, and more.
Another threat to our data is data broker sites. These sites are like phone books of the old where your data can be publicly searched. These data can include your full name, physical addresses, phone number, email addresses, and much more.
It is important to read privacy policies and terms of service to understand how our data is collected, stored, and shared. Additionally, being mindful of the permissions we grant to apps and websites can help us maintain control over our data.
One example of this is would be Malaysia's eMADANI initiative. In the terms and conditions, under the data privacy notice, participants agree and consent to the collection, storing, usage, processing and disclosure of their personal data to the platform's subsidiaries and any other affiliated companies. Which includes not limited to their full name, NRIC, or such information that would establish your identity, address, mobile number, bank account, and even bank statements and transaction information.
Taking Proactive Measures
There are several proactive measures we can take to protect our privacy and regain control of our data:
Regularly review and update privacy settings on social media platforms and other online accounts.
Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on public platforms.
Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt internet traffic and protect against surveillance.
Regularly review and delete unnecessary data, such as old emails or unused accounts.
Be selective about the apps and websites we use, opting for those with strong privacy policies and transparent data practices.
Use services like DeleteMe to remove your data from data brokers.
Advocating for Privacy
Lastly, advocating for privacy rights is essential in ensuring that our data is protected. Supporting organizations that fight for privacy rights and lobbying for stronger privacy legislation can make a significant impact. By raising awareness and demanding accountability from technology companies and governments, we can create a safer and more privacy-conscious digital environment.
In this technology-driven era, taking back control of our data and protecting our privacy is of utmost importance. By understanding data collection practices, taking proactive measures, and advocating for privacy rights, we can safeguard our personal information and maintain control over how it is used. Your privacy matters, so take the necessary steps to protect it.