The Internet. Nowadays it’s impossible to imagine our day-to-day routines without it. However, just because it’s an important component of our lives, doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Keeping your personal information out of reach from unwanted third parties goes a long way to ensure safe browsing.
The risks stack up against you when using the Internet recklessly, and in the digital age, that can have severe consequences. From data exploitation to possible identity theft, your information can get out there and be used for nefarious means.
Highlight Common Data Storage Practices
Before we can talk about the risks, first we must discuss how data is collected from users. Preserving your online privacy and knowing how to remove your digital footprints becomes just as important, too. Companies and platforms collect data for marketing, analytics or to improve their existing service.
One way of collecting data is through databases. Most data is organized, processed, and stored in either relational or non-relational databases. More, recently, databases are being moved onto the Cloud as a more efficient means of storing user data.
Another way companies collect user data is through file systems. After agreeing to allow access to user files and information, images, videos or relevant documents can be stored in cloud storage.
Outsourcing has become a common practice. Companies can often outsource data storage to third parties to maximize their efficiency. These third-party platforms can collect user data for specific purposes, like analytics for example.
Even with this in mind, some challenges arise. When your personal information is collected, it’s stored across a multitude of systems, so full data deletion is not guaranteed. It can be out there, saved on a system that might’ve been overlooked.
Companies that collect user data often have backup systems. This means that deleted data can exist archived somewhere for as long as years.
When relying on third-party platforms while outsourcing, there’s a chance that user data can be kept by the third party, and not deleted upon request. Outsourcing, therefore, brings a touch of uncertainty that shouldn’t be there when personal information is concerned.
Risks of Not Removing Data
When your data isn’t removed properly, one of the most common risks involved is identity theft. Your bank account information, personal data, or documents can be accessed and used for malicious purposes.
Data breaches can also occur to leave your information vulnerable. A hacker accessing a company’s database can access information that was either neglected or stored on a backup and missed the deletion process.
Sometimes your data can be misused for purposes different from the ones you agreed to. Unauthorized marketing or data analytics can happen when data isn’t scheduled for deletion. Luckily most privacy laws guarantee you the right to get your data deleted and deter companies by threatening legal action.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
When your data isn’t removed properly, it becomes a violation of privacy laws that exist to protect the consumer. One of these is the GDPR, mostly in use in the EU.
The GDPR allows individuals the right to request removal of their personal information when it’s no longer necessary. Companies have no right to hold onto personal user information no longer than needed.
The US-based CCPA operates under a similar concept. California residents possess the right to request that their data be removed. Companies that don’t comply with this law can face fines and be subjected to potential litigation.
When user data isn’t removed upon request, it can open you up to the aforementioned risks like identity theft and profiling. Privacy can be violated and personal information can be leaked, sold, and exploited.
When not adhering to existing privacy laws, companies not only face litigation and penalties but also violate their consumer’s right to privacy and safety.
Managing Online Privacy with Simple Actions
When it comes to what you can do to protect your data on the web, a good first step is to check your privacy settings. Seeing who has access to your information and to what extent goes a long way in protecting yourself.
Contacting companies and choosing to opt out of their data collection is another way to preserve your personal information. Many companies allow their users to do this through their opt-out pages so be on the lookout for these.
Another practical step to remove your data is by using data removal services. Services send out requests to data brokers on your behalf regularly to remove your information from the Internet.
No matter how you look at it, the digital space isn’t always a safe experience. When you’re online, you’re at risk, so actively managing your data privacy is paramount.
Identity theft and misuse of information are things to watch out for, so any unnecessary data relating to you shouldn’t be in the hands of anyone else but yourself.
