Online identity, privacy and your digital footprint

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Notes de leçon

What is a Digital Footprint?

A digital footprint (or digital shadow) is the unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions, and communications you leave on the internet or digital devices.
It can apply to individuals, businesses, organizations, or corporations.
Digital footprints are created both passively (without you knowing) and actively (when you deliberately share).
Your footprint grows every time you use the internet, even if you don't realise it.

Types of Digital Footprints

Passive digital footprints are data trails you leave involuntarily, such as browsing history, cookies, and geolocation data from apps.
Passive footprints can include your IP address, the time of visit, and where you came from, which can be analysed later.
Active digital footprints are created deliberately when you post or share information, like social media posts, video uploads, or edits to websites.
Examples of active footprints: logging into a site and making a post, uploading a photo, or commenting on a forum.

Why Your Digital Footprint Matters

Your digital footprint has both positive and negative consequences.
Negatively, it raises privacy issues – strangers can piece together information about you using search engines without your permission.
Positively, a good digital footprint can help you, e.g., employers may prefer a candidate with a positive online presence.
Even children generate digital footprints that can affect future opportunities like college admissions.

Privacy and Your Digital Footprint

Digital footprints are not the same as your digital identity, but they affect your privacy, trust, security, and digital reputation.
Privacy and openness compete: companies and others may collect and use your data.
In 1999, Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy said “Get over it” about internet privacy, a phrase still used in discussions about data collection.
Your online activities can be tracked, allowing others to learn about your actions and interests.

Who Uses Your Digital Footprint?

Cyber-vetting: employers may research applicants based on their online activities.
Law enforcement can use digital footprints to gather information without probable cause.
Marketers use your browsing history to show you customised ads based on your interests.
Social media platforms collect data about your interests, social groups, behaviours, and location, often without you being fully aware.

The Risks of Sharing Personal Information

Many users share personal details on social media without understanding the privacy settings or security consequences.
Information like your number of friends can even predict whether you are an introvert or extrovert.
A survey of social network users found: 87% shared work/education level, 84% full date of birth, 78% location, and 23% phone numbers.
This data can be pieced together to build a detailed picture of your personality.

Managing Your Digital Footprint

You can control your privacy settings on social media and other platforms to limit who sees your information.
Think before you share – once something is online, it can be hard to remove.
Be aware that even passive footprints (like cookies) can be tracked; you can clear cookies or use private browsing.
Understanding how online behavior shapes public perception is key to protecting your digital reputation.

Collect only what you need, protect it, keep it only as long as it is needed, then dispose of it securely.

Digital Footprints and Society

Digital footprints can exacerbate social inequalities because marginalized communities may have limited access or control over their data.
Some people profit from their digital footprint by becoming social media influencers.
Educational efforts and media literacy frameworks promote awareness of digital footprints as part of digital privacy.
Since footprints are hard to avoid, it's important to learn how to manage them responsibly.

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1.A digital footprint is the same as a digital identity or passport.
Easy
True or false?
2.Which of the following is an example of a passive digital footprint?
Easy
- APosting a photo on social media
- BBrowsing history stored by a web browser
- CCommenting on a news article
- DUploading a video to YouTube
3.Active digital footprints are created when a user deliberately shares information online, such as making a social media post.
Easy
True or false?
4.Which of the following are examples of active digital footprints? (Select all that apply)
Easy
- ASocial media posts
- BCookies stored by a website
- CVideo uploads
- DIP address logged when visiting a website
- EChanges made to a website
5.Employers may use a candidate's digital footprint for online vetting when deciding between two equal job applicants.
Easy
True or false?
6.Which of the following is a privacy concern related to digital footprints?
Medium
- AThey can be used to create customized ads based on browsing history.
- BThey always improve a person's online reputation.
- CThey are impossible to avoid entirely.
- DThey allow strangers to piece together information about a person without authorization.
7.Digital footprints can be difficult to avoid, so understanding online behavior is important because it can shape public perception and opportunities.
Easy
True or false?
8.According to the source, what percentage of social networking site users listed their phone numbers?
Medium
- A23%
- B78%
- C84%
- D87%

Plus de questions

9.A digital footprint can also refer to a business, organization, or corporation.
Easy
True or false?
10.Match each digital footprint type to its correct example.
Easy
- Passive footprint
- Active footprint
- Browsing history stored by a cookie
- Posting a photo on social media
11.Which of the following are examples of passive digital footprints? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AWebsites downloading cookies onto your device
- BPosting a comment on a forum
- CYour IP address being recorded when you visit a website
- DUploading a video to YouTube
- EYour browser history
12.Put the following steps in the order that best describes how a passive digital footprint might be created and used.
Medium
- User visits a website
- Website stores a cookie on the user's device
- The cookie records browsing activity
- The user's IP address and visit time are logged
- The data is later analyzed to track user behavior
13.A digital footprint can also belong to a business, organization, or corporation.
Easy
True or false?
14.Which of the following is a potential NEGATIVE consequence of a digital footprint mentioned in the source?
Medium
- ABecoming a social media influencer
- BHaving a positive digital footprint that helps in job applications
- CStrangers piecing together personal information without authorization
- DEmployers using a digital footprint for online vetting
15.Match each type of digital trace to whether it is typically passive or active.
Medium
- IP address logged when visiting a website
- A social media post
- Browser history
- Uploading a video
- Passive
- Active
16.Which of the following are reasons why digital footprints are a privacy concern according to the source? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AStrangers can piece together personal information using search engines
- BLaw enforcement can use footprints to obtain information without probable cause
- CMarketers can use browsing history to create targeted ads
- DDigital footprints can help people become social media influencers
- EDigital footprints are difficult to avoid
17.Arrange the following steps in the order that best describes how a passive digital footprint might be created and used.
Hard
- User visits a website
- Website stores a cookie on the user's device
- The cookie records browsing activity
- The user's IP address and visit time are logged
- The data is later analyzed to track user behavior
18.A social media company uses your browsing history to show you advertisements for products similar to ones you have recently viewed. Which type of digital footprint is primarily being used, and what is the main purpose?
Medium
- APassive digital footprint; to customize ads based on your interests
- BActive digital footprint; to customize ads based on your interests
- CPassive digital footprint; to track your location
- DActive digital footprint; to track your location
19.A student posts a photo on social media. Later, a college admissions officer sees the photo during the application review. Which type of digital footprint is the photo, and what is a potential consequence mentioned in the source?
Medium
- AActive; it may positively or negatively affect college admissions
- BPassive; it may positively or negatively affect college admissions
- CActive; it will have no effect on college admissions
- DPassive; it will have no effect on college admissions
20.A website stores a cookie on your device to remember your login details. This is an example of which type of digital footprint, and why?
Medium
- APassive, because it is stored without your deliberate action
- BActive, because you deliberately logged in
- CPassive, because it is part of your browser history
- DActive, because you chose to use the website
21.Two candidates apply for the same job. They have similar qualifications and experience. The employer checks their social media profiles and chooses the one with a positive online reputation. Which concept from the source does this illustrate?
Hard
- ACyber-vetting
- BSocial media marketing
- CData mining
- DPassive footprint analysis
22.A passive digital footprint is created when a user deliberately posts a comment on a social media site.
Easy
True or false?
23.Arrange the following steps in the order that best describes how a passive digital footprint might be created and used by a marketer.
Medium
- User visits a website
- Website stores a cookie on the user's device
- Marketer analyzes the browsing history
- User sees customized ads based on their interests
24.An active digital footprint is created when a user deliberately shares information online, such as making a social media post.
Easy
True or false?
25.Match each type of digital footprint to its correct example.
Medium
- Passive
- Active
- Browsing history
- Social media post
26.Put the following steps in the order that best describes how a passive digital footprint might be created and used by a marketer.
Medium
- User visits a website
- Website stores a cookie on the user's device
- Marketer analyzes the browsing history
- Marketer shows customized ads
27.A social media company uses your browsing history to show you advertisements for products similar to ones you have recently viewed. Which type of digital footprint is this, and why?
Hard
- AActive, because you deliberately shared your browsing history
- BPassive, because your browsing history is collected without your deliberate action
- CActive, because you are actively using the website
- DPassive, because you have no control over the advertisements
28.What is the term for the unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions, and communications that a person leaves on the internet?
Easy
- ADigital identity
- BDigital footprint
- CDigital passport
- DDigital profile
29.A digital footprint can only refer to a person, not a business or organization.
Easy
True or false?
30.Digital footprints are the same as a digital identity or passport.
Easy
True or false?
31.Which of the following is a privacy concern related to digital footprints, according to the source?
Medium
- AThey can be used by employers for online vetting
- BThey can be used to produce customized ads based on browsing history
- CThey can be used by law enforcement agencies
- DAll of the above
32.Digital footprints are difficult to avoid, so understanding online behavior is important because it can shape public perception and opportunities.
Easy
True or false?
33.According to the source, a passive digital footprint is created when a user deliberately posts a comment on a social media site.
Medium
True or false?
34.The source states that social media sites like Facebook collect extensive information that can be used to piece together a user's personality.
Easy
True or false?
35.Match each example to the type of digital footprint it represents.
Easy
- Browsing history
- Posting a photo on Instagram
- Websites downloading cookies
- Uploading a video to YouTube
- Passive
- Active
36.Which of the following are potential positive consequences of having a digital footprint? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- ABecoming a social media influencer
- BBeing cyber-vetted by an employer
- CGetting a job advantage over an equally qualified candidate
- DHaving your personal data sold to advertisers
- EBeing targeted by law enforcement
37.A digital footprint can be classified as either passive or active.
Easy
True or false?
38.Which of the following best explains why digital footprints are difficult to avoid?
Medium
- AThey are created only when users make social media posts.
- BThey include unavoidable passive traces like browser history and cookies.
- CThey can be deleted easily by clearing browser history.
- DThey are only created when users log into websites.
39.Match each privacy-related term or concept to its correct description.
Medium
- Cyber-vetting
- Life stream
- Social inequalities
- Data retention
- Researching applicants based on online activities
- A stream of data recording an individual's activities over time
- Exacerbated by limited access to marginalized communities
- Practices that affect the scope and visibility of passive footprints
40.A marketing company analyzes a user's browsing history to display targeted ads for products similar to those the user has recently viewed. This is an example of which type of digital footprint and what is its primary purpose?
Medium
- APassive footprint; used to inspire interest in a product
- BActive footprint; used to inspire interest in a product
- CPassive footprint; used for cyber-vetting
- DActive footprint; used for law enforcement
41.What term is used to describe the unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions, and communications that a person leaves on the internet?
Easy
42.Complete the sentence using the correct term.
Easy
A ____ digital footprint is a data trail that an individual involuntarily leaves online, such as cookies or browser history.
43.What is the term for the practice where interviewers research job applicants based on their online activities?
Medium
44.Complete the sentence about the two types of digital footprints.
Easy
Digital footprints can be classified as either ____ or ____.
45.What is the term used for the practice where employers or interviewers research job applicants based on their online activities?
Medium
46.According to the survey mentioned in the source, what percentage of social networking site users listed their phone numbers?
Easy
47.Explain why digital footprints are difficult to avoid and why understanding them is important.
Hard
48.Complete the sentence about the survey data.
Medium
In the survey of social networking site users, ____% identified their work or education level, ____% identified their full date of birth, ____% identified their location, and ____% listed their phone numbers.
49.According to the survey of social networking site (SNS) users mentioned in the source, what percentage of users listed their phone numbers?
Easy
50.Complete the sentence using the correct terms from the source.
Easy
Digital footprints can be classified as either ____ or ____.
51.What is the term for the practice where interviewers research applicants based on their online activities?
Medium
52.According to the survey of SNS users mentioned in the source, what percentage identified their full date of birth?
Easy
53.Explain how a digital footprint can have both positive and negative consequences for an individual, using examples from the source.
Hard
54.Describe two ways a digital footprint can have a negative impact on an individual's privacy, using examples from the source.
Hard
55.Explain how a digital footprint can be both positive and negative, and suggest one way an individual might manage their own digital footprint responsibly.
Hard
56.Describe the differences between passive and active digital footprints, and explain how each type might be created without the user's deliberate action or with it. Provide one example of each.
Hard
57.Explain how a digital footprint can have both positive and negative consequences for an individual, and suggest one way an individual might manage their digital footprint responsibly.
Hard
58.According to the survey mentioned in the source, what percentage of social networking site users listed their phone numbers?
Easy
- A21 %
- B27 %
- C23 %
- D25 %
59.According to the survey of social networking site (SNS) users mentioned in the source, what percentage of users listed their phone numbers?
Easy
- A21 %
- B23 %
- C25 %
- D27 %
60.According to the survey of SNS users mentioned in the source, what percentage identified their full date of birth?
Easy
- A100 %
- B76 %
- C84 %
- D92 %

Notes de révision

## Online Identity, Privacy & Your Digital Footprint Your **digital footprint** (or digital shadow) is the unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions, and communications you leave on the Internet or digital devices. It can be **passive** or **active**. ### Types of Digital Footprints - **Passive footprints**: Data you leave involuntarily, e.g., browsing history, cookies, geolocation from apps, IP addresses. Often unavoidable; their scope depends on platform policies and data retention. - **Active footprints**: Data you deliberately share, e.g., social media posts, video/image uploads, website edits. ### Why It Matters - **Privacy risks**: Strangers can piece together your information using search engines without your permission. This can lead to identity theft, cyber-vetting (employers checking your online history), and targeted ads. - **Positive uses**: A positive footprint can help you as a social media influencer, in college admissions, or in job applications—employers may favour a candidate with a good digital footprint. - **Persistence**: Once online, content can spread and persist, affecting your reputation and opportunities. ### Privacy Settings & Thinking Before Sharing - Always check **privacy settings** on social media—many users are unaware of what they share and who can see it. - Think before you post: information like your location, date of birth, or phone number can be used to build a profile of you. - Remember: even if you delete something, it may have been copied or saved by others. ### Key Advice - Be aware of your digital footprint and manage it actively. - Understand that your online behaviour shapes public perception and future opportunities. - Use privacy settings wisely and think critically about what you share. *“Get over it” – Scott McNealy (1999), referring to internet privacy.*

Digital footprint: One's unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions, and communications manifested on the Internet or digital devices.
Passive digital footprint: A data trail that an individual involuntarily leaves online, such as browsing history, cookies, and geolocation data.
Active digital footprint: Data deliberately shared online, such as social media posts, video/image uploads, or website edits.
Privacy settings: Controls on social media and other platforms that let users manage who can see their information and posts.
Cyber-vetting: The process where employers or others research a person's online activities to assess their suitability.
Cookies: Small files stored on a user's device by websites to track browsing activity and preferences.
Geolocation: The identification of the real-world geographic location of an object, such as a mobile device, often used by apps.
IP address: A unique address that identifies a device on the Internet or a local network, often tracked as part of a passive footprint.

Cartes mémo

What is a digital footprint?

A digital footprint (or digital shadow) is the unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions, and communications that a person (or organization) leaves on the Internet or digital devices.

What are the two main types of digital footprints?

Passive and active. Passive footprints are left involuntarily (e.g., browsing history, cookies), while active footprints are created deliberately (e.g., social media posts, uploads).

Give two examples of passive digital footprints.

Web-browsing activity stored as cookies, and apps that use geolocation to track your location.

Give two examples of active digital footprints.

Posting on social media and uploading videos or images to websites.

How can a digital footprint be positive?

It can help people become social media influencers, and a positive footprint can give a job candidate an advantage over an equally qualified candidate during online vetting.

How can a digital footprint be negative?

It can lead to privacy issues, such as strangers piecing together personal information without authorization, and it can exacerbate social inequalities for marginalized communities.

What is cyber-vetting?

It is when employers or interviewers research applicants based on their online activities (their digital footprint) to evaluate them.

How do marketers use digital footprints?

They use browsing history and other data to produce customized ads based on a user's interests, or to inspire interest in a product based on similar interests.

What did Scott McNealy say about privacy on the Internet in 1999?

He said 'Get over it,' referring to the idea that privacy on the Internet is not guaranteed and that users should accept that their data is collected.

Why are digital footprints difficult to avoid?

Because even passive footprints, like cookies and browser history, are often unavoidable when using the Internet, and many online activities leave traces automatically.

What is a passive digital footprint?

A data trail that an individual involuntarily leaves online, such as IP address logs, cookies, or browser history, often without the user's awareness.

What is an active digital footprint?

A footprint created deliberately when a user willingly shares information online, such as making a social media post or uploading a video.

How can a digital footprint be stored in an online environment?

It can be stored as a 'hit' in an online database, tracking the user's IP address, when it was created, and where it came from, for later analysis.

What are the privacy concerns related to digital footprints?

Digital footprints can be tracked and allow others to learn about a user's actions, interests, and personal information, potentially without consent, impacting privacy and security.

How do law enforcement agencies use digital footprints?

They use them to obtain information that might otherwise be unavailable due to lack of probable cause, such as tracking online activities.

What percentage of social network users listed their phone numbers according to a survey?

23% of social network users listed their phone numbers.

What percentage of social network users identified their full date of birth?

84% of social network users identified their full date of birth.

What percentage of social network users identified their location?

78% of social network users identified their location.

What percentage of social network users identified their work or education level?

87% of social network users identified their work or education level.

How can social media data predict personality traits?

Information gathered from social media, such as the number of friends a user has, can predict whether the user is introverted or extroverted.

Why is it important to understand your digital footprint?

Because online behavior can shape public perception and opportunities, such as college admissions or job prospects, and because footprints are difficult to avoid.

What is the role of media and information literacy in relation to digital footprints?

Educational frameworks promote awareness of digital footprints as part of a citizen's digital privacy, helping people understand how online behavior affects them.

Can a digital footprint refer to a business or organization?

Yes, while it usually applies to a person, a digital footprint can also refer to a business, organization, or corporation.

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