Internet Privacy

What is internet/online privacy?

• The freedom from being observed when using the internet

• A type of internet service provider

• A person who was brought up in the age of digital technology

Answer explanation

A person who was brought up in the age of digital technology is known as a digital native. (Oxford Languages)

Which of the following is NOT an effective way of securing your internet privacy?

• Regularly deleting browsing cookies

• Using the same credentials for multiple accounts

• Using a VPN

• Keeping your software up-to-date

Answer explanation

Using the same credentials for multiple accounts means that if a cybercriminal figures out how to get into one account, it will be easier for them to access the rest as well.

Source: https://www.purevpn.com/blog/what-is-internet-privacy-scty/

Which of the following are major issues regarding internet privacy?

• Spying and snooping

• Information Mishandling

• Location Tracking

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Spying and snooping is often used for advertising purposes, but can be used by cybercriminals as well.

Information mishandling can occur when sites do not properly encrypt user data.

Location tracking allows for outside parties to know where you are, even down to your exact location.

With some job applicants having private profiles on social media, what methods have some employers utilized to monitor the online presence of future employees? (TWO Answers)

• Breaking into their home to access their social media accounts

• Asking for their log-in credentials

• Asking them to friend an HR manager

• None of the above

Answer explanation

These methods are controversial and may be considered a violation of online privacy.

Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/9155368/Companies-asking-for-Facebook-passwords-for-future-employees.html

True or False: Digital home assistants like Amazon's Alexa or Google's Assistant keep a record of what they hear after being prompted.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Though digital assistants can be helpful and efficient, some wonder if it is worth the potential privacy risks.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/05/06/alexa-has-been-eavesdropping-you-this-whole-time/

Which of the following are good practices to follow with doorbell cameras to best maintain privacy? (TWO answers)

• Deleting old footage

• Aiming the camera in your neighbors' area

• Sharing footage sparingly

• Using a weak password

Answer explanation

Doorbell cameras can be helpful for monitoring your home, but one must be mindful of them if they also want to maintain their privacy.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/01/31/doorbells-have-eyes-privacy-battle-brewing-over-home-security-cameras/

What is the "privacy paradox"?

• When someone cares about their online privacy yet engages in activities at the risk of their privacy

• When companies are not truthful about their privacy policy

• When consumers have full control over their online privacy

• When companies track people's information for the sake of advertising

Answer explanation

People can value their online privacy yet still be prone to engaging in activities that put their privacy at risk. For example, providing your information in exchange for a free product or deal.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/26/privacy-queen-of-human-rights-in-a-digital-world/

What is the "autonomy trap"?

• When the government is constantly surveilling you

• When data brokers gather a person's personal online data from various platforms to generate behavioral profiles

• When websites give you the option to control what cookies they can use

Answer explanation

The behavioral profiles generated from entities that utilize the "autonmy trap" can be used for targeted advertising or other purposes.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/26/privacy-queen-of-human-rights-in-a-digital-world/

What is the Cambridge Analytica data scandal?

• A company that advocates for people's right to online privacy

• A 2013 incident where hackers leaked personal data from thousands of users on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

• A scandal in which a political consulting company used Facebook user data for political advertising during the 2016 Presidential elections.

Which of the following countries do NOT lack in online privacy laws?

• Russia

• Norway

• China

• England

Answer explanation

England, Russia, and China, among other countries, do not have constitutional protections for online privacy. Contrarily, Norway placed first in the 2023 Internet Privacy Index.

Sources:

https://techshielder.com/top-5-countries-with-the-worst-online-privacy

https://bestvpn.org/privacy-index/