Strategies for Leading in Data Security and Privacy
In today's digital age, it's more important than ever to be mindful about the information we share and see on social media. To help you navigate this digital landscape, the Future of Privacy Forum, a organisation that brings together privacy experts, has some valuable insights.
This year, Data Privacy Day was celebrated on January 28. This annual event marks the anniversary of Convention 108, the first binding international treaty to protect personal data. To commemorate the day, the FPF partnered with Snap to create a Data Privacy Day Snapchat Lens, allowing users to choose a privacy pup that reflects their personality.
Adjust Privacy Settings for Each App
To effectively protect your personal data on social media apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit, Pinterest, Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder, follow these best practices and privacy settings:
On Facebook, set your default audience to "Friends" or "Custom" to limit who can see your posts and personal info. This can be accessed via Settings & Privacy > Settings > Default Audience.
On Instagram, make your account private by going to Settings > Account Privacy > Private Account, which restricts content to approved followers only.
For TikTok, regularly review privacy and safety settings to limit who can view your videos and interact with you.
On Snapchat, limit who can contact you and view your Stories in the Privacy Settings.
Dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge: Avoid publicly linking all social media profiles; selectively add Instagram or Spotify by controlling what you share publicly. Use verification features to protect against fake profiles.
On Reddit and Pinterest, review who can see your activity and personalize ad settings to minimize data sharing.
Minimize Personal Data Sharing
Avoid sharing sensitive information such as home address, phone number, or exact location. Disable location services or sharing features unless necessary, particularly on Facebook and Twitter. Limit linking across platforms to curb data aggregation and targeted advertising.
Use Strong Security Measures
Use unique, strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. Regularly check connected apps and revoke permissions for suspicious third parties. Consider VPNs and browsing in anonymous/incognito modes when accessing social media to reduce tracking.
Control Visibility and Interaction
On most platforms, restrict who can comment, send messages, or tag you. Customize blocking and reporting features to manage unwanted contacts.
Periodic Cleanup
Delete unused or outdated social media accounts to reduce data exposure. Regularly audit and delete old posts, photos, and shared personal info.
General Online Safety Tips
Be cautious about accepting terms and conditions without review, as agreeing may share personal data with third parties. Use encrypted messaging apps when possible for private communication.
By actively managing privacy settings, limiting data sharing, and practicing good security hygiene, you can significantly enhance the protection of your personal data on these social media platforms.
- In today's digital age, it's crucial to be mindful of the information we share and see on social media, especially considering the increasing importance of cybersecurity and data privacy.
- The Future of Privacy Forum, an organization that brings together privacy experts, provides valuable insights to help navigate this digital landscape.
- Data Privacy Day, an annual event honoring Convention 108, the first international treaty to protect personal data, was celebrated on January 28 this year.
- To commemorate the day, the FPF partnered with Snap to create a Data Privacy Day Snapchat Lens, allowing users to choose a privacy pup that reflects their personality.
- To protect personal data on popular social media apps like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit, Pinterest, Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder, follow these best practices: on Facebook, set the default audience to "Friends" or "Custom"; on Instagram, make the account private; for TikTok, regularly review privacy and safety settings; on Snapchat, limit who can contact you and view your Stories; on dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, avoid publicly linking all social media profiles and use verification features.
- To minimize personal data sharing, avoid sharing sensitive information, disable location services, limit linking across platforms to curb data aggregation, and use strong security measures like unique, strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- On most platforms, restrict who can comment, send messages, or tag you, customize blocking and reporting features, and periodically cleanup old accounts, posts, photos, and shared personal info.
- General online safety tips include being cautious about accepting terms and conditions without review, using encrypted messaging apps for private communication, and considering the use of VPNs and browsing in anonymous/incognito modes.
- By actively managing privacy settings, limiting data sharing, and practicing good security hygiene, we can significantly enhance the protection of our personal data on these social media platforms, contributing to a safer lifestyle in the home-and-garden, data-and-cloud-computing, technology, and entertainment domains.
