Internet privacy refers to an individual’s ability to control the personal information (PI) shared or exchanged over the web. PI can be exposed in many ways, including through data breaches, tracking, and cybersecurity threats. In addition, PI may be exposed through the actions of other individuals or organizations, such as friends, family members, or businesses with which one interacts online.
Those who have only a casual concern for internet privacy might limit their exposure to this information through the use of anti-virus software, secure email apps such as Telegram, using VPNs and ad blockers, avoiding sites that share information with third parties, or simply by being careful about what they post on social media. Those who have a more active interest in internet privacy might pursue internet anonymity through the use of Tor, ad-free search engines like DuckDuckGo, and encryption for messaging services.
The main concern about internet privacy is that the information that people reveal through their everyday online activities is accessible to anyone who wants it. This information can include credit card and home address details, passwords, health records, and more. It can also be used to commit crimes, such as identity theft or to spread viruses and malware.
In the United States, we have laws protecting our PI when it comes to healthcare and financial information, and some states have passed their own privacy-related legislation. However, a national law protecting everyday internet privacy has yet to be established. The most common threat to internet privacy is online fraud, such as phishing scams or malware. It can also happen when information that a person has revealed through an online activity is sold on the dark web or compromised by hackers.
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