The internet has become indispensable in our day and age. The internet is used in a variety of businesses and activities across the world, including learning, researching, working, and even enjoyment. Do you realize, however, how critical internet security is and how it plays a critical part in securing your data? Let’s take a look at the history and significance of internet privacy.
Origin
Even before it was legally documented and developed based on a judgement in the 1960s, the right to privacy is included in the earliest constitution. In an article published by Thought.co, the phrase “the right to be left alone” was used to emphasize that everyone has the right to privacy.
In 1995, the internet became completely commercialized, and the Federal Trade Commission began to take online privacy seriously in 1998. When gathering minors under the age of 13, COPPA mandated all website owners and online services to get parental authorization. This allows parents to filter information and choose which to opt-out of.
According to Wikipedia, online privacy refers to the right or obligation to protect one’s personal information while it is stored, repurposed, shared with other parties, or shown via the Internet. Data privacy is a subset of internet privacy. Since the start of large-scale computer sharing, privacy issues have been expressed.
Personal identifiable information (PII) and non-PII information, such as a website visitor’s activity, are both examples of privacy. Any information that may be used to identify an individual is referred to as PII. For example, without expressly giving a person’s name, age and physical address alone might indicate who they are, as these two criteria are often distinctive enough to identify a specific person. Other types of PII may eventually include app-generated GPS tracking data, as everyday commuting and routine information might be enough to identify an individual.
The Significance
Why should we be concerned about internet security? You click a link to go to the next page every time you click a URL from one website to another. That is the data that people are accumulating on you. That type of data, which you may dismiss as unimportant, is the lifeblood of many businesses.
If you don’t want your personal information to be used maliciously to exploit you, the first step is for people to understand what happens to it every time you make a transaction. So, before you sign up for a new account with any service, read and comprehend the terms of service.
What exactly are you giving up? Here’s an illustration. Let’s pretend you want to join a photo-sharing website.
These photographs you just posted are now the property of that firm and can be used in marketing campaigns. Photos of you, your family, and your friends are included. It’s OK if you don’t mind those sites knowing personal information about you.
However, if you are not comfortable with this, or if you want to manage what and when they get information, there are a number of browser extensions available, such as Disconnect and Ghostery.
All of these browser extensions allow you to choose whether or not the websites you visit collect information about you and share it with other firms.
ServerGigabit’s VPN connection is completely anonymous, allowing you to keep your actions concealed from prying eyes. Take a look at the Server Gigabit plans available right now.
