La security of personal data today is a more current theme than ever. Through the simple use of social platforms, in fact, we are easily and immediately profiled. This is why our feed is adapted to our preferences. Devices, especially our smartphones, contain messages, email addresses, numbers, online activities, geographic locations… data that interconnect with the applications we use. THE IA used to collect and interpret data are becoming increasingly faster, more effective and precise.
Each of us has asked ourselves at least once: are my personal data safe? What are they used for? What are the consequences of these uses? How can I defend myself from illicit uses? What laws protect me?
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AI and Personal Data Management: Benefits and Risks
In fact, many platforms use advanced algorithms based on theIA to analyze the data of users in real time on Social. These algorithms not only help to customize your feed of news, but they are also used for security. For example, hacking attempts and unauthorized access are detected.
So far, it all seems to be in favor of a personalized experience. But of course, there are risks.
Algorithms can be vulnerable to deepfake or the use of muzzle that influence public opinion. Furthermore, Transparency about how AI uses personal data is often limited. This makes it difficult for users to fully understand the extent of the surveillance they are subject to.
Main purposes of collecting personal data
- Advertising Targeting.
- Improved user experience.
- Atraining of artificial intelligence models.
- Sale of data to third parties.
- Trend Analysis.
- Security monitoring.
The Most Common Privacy Violations on Social Media
Privacy violations on social media are not uncommon. They often manifest themselves in the form of unauthorized sharing of data or hacker attacks. A famous example was the scandal of Cambridge Analytica. Another, more recent, was the lawsuit filed against Google for incognito browsing. Just 4 years ago, moreover, a cyber attack on Twitter compromised the accounts of Elon Musk and Barack Obama.
Tips for protecting your personal data online
- Limit sharing of personal information such as address, phone number and financial information.
- Use two-factor authentication.
- Consider using a VPN.
- Review and change who can see your social posts and who has access to your personal information.
- Learn how platforms use your data and what information is shared with third parties.
- If you don't need it, reduce it.'integration between different platforms.
- Update your passwords regularly.
European and international data protection regulations
In Europe we have the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
We are talking about one of the most advanced measures for the protection of online privacy. In essence, this regulation establishes that Companies must obtain explicit consent from users before collecting and using their personal data. It also provides that users have the right to know what data is collected and can request its deletion at any time.
In the United States, there is no federal law equivalent to GDPR. Privacy regulations vary from state to state, which can create gaps and ambiguities. Finally, in Asia, privacy laws are generally still developing. In Japan, there are regulations similar to GDPR. In China, on the other hand, there are slightly more intrusive approaches.
It should be noted that these differences from one continent to another, regarding global social platforms, can generate inconsistencies that require greater attention.
So how safe is your personal data?
All things considered, we can conclude that, despite regulations such as the GDPR, there are gray areas. So how do we protect ourselves? It depends a lot on the precautions we take and the choices we make. If you follow the precautions we have indicated above, you significantly reduce the possibility of your personal data being violated. In other words: the less you share, the less there is to violate. So carefully consider what is worth sharing and what is not.
