Most people have a strong preference, if not a requirement, for privacy — a vital component of both personal life and a functioning democracy. Yet, when using the internet and digital devices, most activity is monitored by default, removing the privacy that many value. That is why the Center for
International Private Enterprise (CIPE) works on projects related to digital rights and democratic digital transformation, creating online spaces where individuals and entrepreneurs can freely and safely operate while improving opportunities for financial growth, and businesses feel encouraged to operate with integrity.
The Importance of Digital Privacy for Individuals
Many companies that provide digital platforms and devices, as a part of their business models, collect data to create user profiles that are sold for several purposes, ranging from advertising, marketing, and analyzing consumer trends to geolocation tracking and law enforcement investigations. Many governments continue to adopt data privacy regulations, but the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) implemented by European Union members is perhaps the best known for its data collection restrictions that seek to prevent the unregulated sale and usage of data. However, depending on the country or region, adoption and implementation can be slow and legislation too limited to effectively protect businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers, especially due to the speed of technological advancement.
Although data privacy may not be the primary motivation of individuals when choosing online services, consequences, such as location tracking, can be hazardous.
The widespread global transfer of data and the lack of global data privacy standards and norms mean that end users must remain diligent to maintain control over their data. Many opt into contracts for platforms, devices, and apps that purposefully limit user awareness of data trails and omit protective steps. Although data privacy may not be the primary motivation of individuals when choosing online services, consequences, such as location tracking, can be hazardous. This is especially true for vulnerable communities and civil society groups that may also be targets of surveillance by authoritarian governments. Adopting best practices can be daunting, especially considering the hurdles. Tools can be expensive. Free and safe options are not always easy to find due to low awareness or knowledge about choices, installing and using resources, or which tools are trustworthy and have benevolent intentions.
Recommendations for Staying Safe Online
Individuals face complex threats that can undermine digital security. Here are some practical steps to reduce online risks:
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
A VPN’s primary purpose is masking a user’s Internet Protocol (IP) address. Businesses tie user IP addresses to collected data, so VPNs prevent internet service providers and businesses from associating users with any data. Additionally, if the location is changed via VPN to a country with more stringent data privacy protection laws, websites comply with local laws. The research paper VPNalyzer: Systematic Investigation of the VPN Ecosystem, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, has an easily consumable table (pg. 16) that can be a starting point when considering a secure VPN, including some free versions with unlimited data caps.
Ad blockers
Ad blockers remove unwanted advertisements, malicious pop-ups, and cumbersome website functions, like moving, obstructive videos. The removal of these hazards keeps users protected from potential malware while insulating them from abusive amounts of targeted advertisements. There are a number of free, open-source options that are widely popular and easily available.
Managing Cookies
Cookies are small files with unique identifiers that websites use to track users and their preferences. While this may be helpful for saving settings or log-in information to a favorite website, cookies can track activities and habits across different websites. Adjusting settings in a web browser, running a scheduled system cleaner, and choosing a privacy-oriented browser, such as Firefox Focus, helps limit malicious cookies.
Application Permissions
There are settings that allow users to withhold permission from applications that would collect data from across the entire phone or computer. Persistence is important because many applications, especially free ones, rely on default settings that provide permission or a user’s unawareness. Remember, if a service is free, you are the product.
Digital Economy Enabling Environment Guide
This CIPE guide aims to explain the legal and regulatory aspects of the digital economy and educate entrepreneurs on four key areas: consumer protection; data protection and privacy; cybersecurity; and electronic transactions.
Harnessing the Power of the Digital Economy Course
This CIPE interactive training program supports entrepreneurs in building their digital literacy skills, innovating, and growing their business ventures online. The 4th module focuses on adopting digital security practices.
While the practice of widescale data collection likely will not disappear anytime soon, online users should consider adopting tools, such as those listed here, that better protect their data and reduce personal risks. Above all, individuals need to remain diligent as technology risks change and tools and resources evolve or become obsolete. Beyond proper diligence, one way for individuals to remain informed on best practices would be to reach out to local business associations for guidance that best applies to the region. Leveraging CIPE’s tools and resources can help consumers and entrepreneurs with this endeavor and promote more democratic and safe digital environments.
Published Date: October 04, 2023