Why Personal Data Removal Should Be Part of Digital Literacy

Digital literacy has expanded significantly over the past decade, from simply knowing how to operate a computer or navigate a website, to encompassing a broader range of skills. These simple tasks are insignificant in today’s hyper-connected world, as digital literacy now entails so much more. Modern digital literacy also means understanding how personal data is collected, used, and shared across the internet. This applies to all platforms, where every click can be tracked, stored, and even sold.

While cybersecurity and privacy settings are frequently discussed, the whole scope is rarely understood. Among all the data privacy discussions, a topic that often gets overlooked is digital data removal, the process of regaining control over your data. As privacy concerns grow, the ability to take control and adjust your digital footprint is a foundational part of digital literacy. So let’s explore the inner workings of digital data and how we can remain more privacy-conscious.

How Personal Data Is Collected and Stored Online

Personal data is harvested and stored in a plethora of ways, and they all depend on how you use the web. Some of the most common ways are:

• Websites and Apps - They often track user behavior through cookies or other tracking technologies.
• Online Forms - Most request contact details such as birth dates, names, location, and other personal information, and store it.
• Public Databases - These databases can contain private information, such as property records or voter registrations, that can be linked to you through specific keywords.
• Data Brokers - These are individuals who compile user profiles based on data and sell this information to third parties.

Yes, even seemingly harmless activities, such as signing up for a newsletter, can contribute to your extensive digital footprint. All of these actions leave behind data that data brokers can piece together to build consumer profiles. Once compiled, these profiles are sold for marketing purposes and other profit from data that is unknowingly collected.

The Consequences of a Permanent Digital Footprint

Knowingly or unknowingly leaving your personal data online creates a digital footprint over time. This footprint can be used against you in many ways, posing significant risks. The biggest danger is identity theft, a problem that occurs when criminals use your data to commit fraud or open up fake accounts. If this occurs, it can be a serious headache as the issue is not easily resolved, and can lead to big financial losses.

On the other hand, your data can be used by advertisers and organizations to track your behavior and preferences. With that, you are susceptible to invasive advertising tactics that are very predatory. All of this makes being digitally literate paramount if you wish to remain safe while browsing. You must understand the impact of your permanent digital footprint and take action to secure it.

Why Data Removal Deserves a Place in Digital Literacy Curriculums

Due to all of these risks and nuances, the inclusion of personal data removal in digital literacy curriculums has become essential. By teaching individuals how to reclaim their data, they will be empowered. As such, it is equally important to teach everyone how much data they share and which tools and services they can utilize to take control of it.

It is everyone’s right to be forgotten and to request the removal of their data from data brokers. Through data removal tools, individuals can automate this process, making data management more accessible. Still, by working to be digitally literate and manually conducting privacy audits, individuals can ensure their privacy.

Barriers to Adoption and Awareness of Data Removal Tools

Despite the overwhelming benefits, data removal remains underutilized in the digital landscape. This is because of a few key reasons:

• Lack of awareness - Many people are unaware that data removal is not only an option but also a right.
• Perceived complexity - At first glance, it seems technically challenging to remove data from brokers.
• Misconceptions - There are widespread beliefs that once data is online, it remains there forever and cannot be removed.

While it’s true that not all personal data can be erased, meaningful chunks can still be removed. By removing one’s data from people's search websites and databases, you can significantly reduce their online exposure.

Looking Ahead: A More Privacy-Conscious Generation

Data removal practices are gaining popularity as digital literacy efforts pave the way for a new generation of privacy-conscious individuals. Now that individuals understand their rights more than ever, data is being managed more effectively. This creates a space where more empowered and digitally responsible individuals browse the web.

In turn, this has reduced the rates of identity theft and pushed back invasive targeted advertising. By making personal data control a standard component of digital literacy, users of all ages are equipped to take control of their data. Additionally, with the increasing use of digital data removal tools, more individuals are taking steps to maintain their privacy. This shift reflects the greater focus people place on digital privacy in the modern digital world.