Many digital privacy questions have been asked around the internet, some regarding its benefits whereas others were more focused on its disadvantages. In order to give a better understanding of the whole concept of digital privacy, this article has been written to include all the digital privacy pros and cons, reforms, rules and, regulations.
Many digital privacy quizzes and tests are available on the internet in order to increase the knowledge of web browser users about how their personal information and search history may be at risk.
Digital Privacy – Advantages
- Protects Those Vulnerable To Exploitation
This may include children who are using the internet without any adult supervision or even any permission. With an increase in digital privacy not only will any suspicious websites will be opened but any inappropriate content may also be blocked. Such a private browser may be UR-Browser, this contains the ability to automatically scan any opened websites for viruses and later block them.
- Easier To Access All Websites
Similarly, many websites or applications may not be accessible in various countries. With the use of a private browsing system and a virtual private network, many of the said websites or applications can be obtained as these private browsers hide your actual location.
- Creates A Balanced System
Many “special” users on the internet who are said to be conspiracy theorists always wait for the opportunity for the government to interfere into the daily lives of regular citizens. When internet privacy is being undertaken, these theorists have little to no ability to comment on any posts or blogs which may be abusive or rude.
Digital Privacy – Drawbacks
- Creates The Potential For Abuse
Although digital privacy is very important and beneficial, there may also be some cons that come with it. First of all, the use of private browsers and virtual private networks creates anonymity amongst many users. This, in turn, results in the ability for users to abuse others as they have no fear of getting caught. VPNs and private browsing networks hide the location and IP address of the user and block websites from gaining access to the user. Thus, people may become abusive by using profane language and comments on different applications or software.
- May Harm Businesses and Their Market Tracking
Many companies and businesses may use internet tracking in order to gain more information on potential customers by looking up their interests and likes on the different websites that they access and the pages and accounts that they have liked or followed on various social media applications.
Digital privacy protection may hide all this information from marketers which will make it difficult for them to verify whether or not customers may be interested in their products.
Digital Privacy Regulations
Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding digital privacy, however, most of them tend to be of the same concept with the majority of laws being similar. For instance, in 2012, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was introduced as a set of rules and regulations in the European Union that was designed to protect internet users from the tracking and unfair data collection of any kind.
The user must be sure that the certain browser or virtual private network (VPN) that they use is in line with the laws of their country. The UR-Browser follows all the laws and regulations set by the EU regarding digital privacy which ensures its users that their data and personal information will remain safe and secure at all times.
Digital Privacy Risks
Another very important reason to use a private browser and/or a virtual private network is because of the risks involved with the concept of digital privacy.
Internet privacy threats and risks are a massive problem in the cyber world and they should be taken very seriously.
- Public Wi-Fi
Although it may be slightly shocking, public Wi-Fi is actually extremely dangerous in context to digital privacy risks. This is due to the fact that public Wi-Fi networks have little to no encryption available, resulting in hackers and dangerous third parties being able to easily access the data going through your device and the World Wide Web.
However, through the use of private browsers such as the UR-Browser, this risk may be reduced.
- Social Network Risks
Although many people use all social media applications, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., they all do involve a very high-risk level.
Facebook includes the user’s location, pictures, phone number and, name, this makes it very easy for potential hackers or stalkers to gain a victim.
Twitter, on the other hand, includes the location of its users on their pictures and tweets.
Many social networking applications have introduced a measure to increase privacy such as including the options for sharing photos, videos and other information with only selected people. However, some other applications are still proving to be a risk to social media users.
Digital Privacy Solutions
The solutions to digital privacy may be too long to discuss. However, when considering software for solving the digital privacy problem, one should look for an application or software that is compatible on both the mobile phone and PC or Mac, has ensured safety policies and, follow legal rules as well.
Many websites and applications nowadays already include a digital privacy statement or privacy policy to make sure that the users are satisfied prior to use.
Digital Privacy Reform
Digital privacy has had many improvements over the last few years in various countries around the world. For instance, many countries have changed or updated the definition of “personal information” in privacy laws in order to make it more appealing to daily factors.
Furthermore, in the United States, the digital privacy Supreme Court case gained popularity in June 2018 when the Supreme Court announced that the Fourth Amendment will be applied to digital privacy matters as well. In more general terms, authorities will need a search warrant to trace and access the mobile phone and other electronic devices during a criminal investigation.
Just as so, many digital privacy reforms have taken place in Japan over the years. The most vital year being 2014, where many changes were bought to the Information Protection Act.
