Learning Objectives / Whāinga Ako

• Define what "digital privacy" means.

• Explain why protecting your privacy is important in the digital age.

• Identify common ways your personal information might be collected online.

• Describe strategies for maintaining your digital privacy.

Getting Started / Whakataki (Prior Knowledge Required)

To get the most out of learning about Privacy, it's essential to have a clear understanding of:

• Digital Ethics & Society: Do you understand the broader positive and negative impacts of technology on people and communities? (Link to Digital Ethics & Society page)

• Computer Security: Are you aware of the need to protect digital systems and data from harm?

• File Management: Do you know how digital files, including personal data, are stored and organized? (Link to File Management page)

Quick Check: If someone knew everything you did online, saw all your messages, and knew where you were at all times, how would that make you feel? This feeling relates to your privacy!

What is Digital Privacy? 

Digital privacy is your ability to control what personal information about you is collected, stored, used, and shared online. It's about having the power to decide who knows what about you in the digital world.

In the digital age, much of our lives happens online: we communicate, learn, shop, and share. As we do this, we generate a lot of data about ourselves. Digital privacy is important because it impacts your:

• Autonomy: Your freedom to be yourself and make choices without constant observation.

• Safety: Protecting yourself from scams, identity theft, or online harassment.

• Security: Ensuring your personal data isn't misused or accessed by unauthorized people.

• Reputation: Controlling the information that shapes how others see you online.

This concept is deeply rooted in Digital Ethics & Society and aligns with Manaakitanga (showing care and respect) by protecting an individual's dignity and well-being in the digital space.

How It Works / Me Pēhea te Mahi

Your personal information can be collected online in many ways, often without you even realizing it. Understanding these methods is the first step to protecting your privacy.

1. Direct Collection:

   • What it is: Information you knowingly provide.

   • How it works: When you create an account, fill out a form, buy something online, or post on social media.

   • Examples: Your name, email, birthdate, payment details, photos you upload.

2. Indirect/Passive Collection (Your "Digital Footprint"):

   • What it is: Data collected as you use websites, apps, and digital devices.

   • How it works: Websites use cookies to track your Browse, apps use your location, smart devices listen for commands, social media tracks what you like and share.

   • Examples: Your Browse history, location data, app usage, IP address, device type, "likes" and reactions. This builds your Digital Footprint – all the data you leave behind online.

3. Data Usage:

   • Once collected, your data can be used for various purposes:

     • Improving services: To make apps work better for you.

     • Targeted advertising: To show you ads relevant to your interests.

     • Selling to third parties: Some companies sell your anonymized (or sometimes identifiable) data to other businesses.

     • Research & Analytics: To understand trends and user behavior.

Protecting Your Privacy:

You have rights and tools to protect your privacy. Many countries, including New Zealand with its Privacy Act 2020, have laws that give you rights over your personal information. Key principles include:

• Transparency: Knowing what data is collected and why.

• Choice: Being able to choose what data you share.

• Access: Being able to see what data organizations hold about you.

• Correction: Being able to ask for incorrect data to be fixed.

Assessment / Te Aromatawai

Check your understanding of Privacy.

1. Multiple Choice: What is the best definition of digital privacy?

   • a) Keeping your digital devices physically safe from theft.

   • b) The ability to control who can see and use your personal information online.

   • c) Having a strong password for all your accounts.

   • d) Only using the internet for schoolwork.

2. Short Answer: Name two common ways your personal information might be collected by websites or apps.

3. Scenario: You're about to post a photo of your friend group enjoying a day at the beach on social media. One friend, however, asked not to be tagged in photos.

   • How does this situation relate to your friend's digital privacy?

   • What is the most responsible action you should take before posting?

Key Takeaways / Mātauranga

• Digital privacy is your control over your personal information online.

• It's vital for your safety, security, and autonomy.

• Data is collected both directly and indirectly (your digital footprint).

• Being proactive with privacy settings and understanding your rights helps protect your privacy.

• Protecting privacy aligns with Manaakitanga in Digital Ethics & Society.

What's Next?

Now that you understand the importance of protecting your personal information, you're ready to explore the broader strategies and tools used to keep digital systems safe:

• Computer Security: Dive into the comprehensive measures that protect digital devices and data from unauthorized access and harm, of which privacy is a key goal.

• Encryption: Learn about a powerful technique used to scramble data, making it unreadable to anyone without the correct key, which is crucial for privacy.

Continue your journey by clicking on the links to these exciting topics!