Protecting your privacy in our digital world

In our increasingly connected world, protecting personal information has become more crucial than ever. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s 2024 Annual Data Breach Report, data breaches increased by 211 percent in 2024, with over 1.3 billion breach notices issued. This staggering number underscores the importance of being vigilant about how and where we share our personal information.

Let me share a personal experience that highlights this modern privacy challenge. During a wellness retreat, I was asked to share my passport image in a WhatsApp group chat for hotel check-in purposes. As someone with International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) training, this raised immediate concerns. While passport copying is common in European hospitality, the method of collection and sharing matters significantly. Ultimately, I declined to share my passport image in the group chat. The facilitator understood my concerns, and I opted to let the hotel photocopy my passport directly at check-in instead. This compromise allowed for necessary verification while avoiding the creation of a digital copy that could potentially be mishandled or breached. This experience underscores the importance of being prepared to advocate for your privacy rights, even in seemingly routine situations.

In Canada, under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), organizations must handle personal data with strict protocols. This includes obtaining consent, using data only for specified purposes, and ensuring secure destruction when no longer needed.

But what does this mean for the average person?

Key questions you should ask yourself when providing personal data:

1. Why do they need this information?
2. Is it mandatory or optional?
3. How will my data be stored and protected?
4. Who will have access to it?
5. How long will they keep it?
6. What are my rights regarding this data?
7. Can I withdraw consent later?
8. Is this a legitimate and trustworthy organization?
9. What's the minimum information I need to provide?
10. Do they have a clear privacy policy?

10 tips for protecting personal information

As recommended by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

1. Think twice: be wary of sharing personal information, especially online.
2. Ask questions: read privacy policies and inquire about how your information will be used and protected if you are unsure.
3. Speak up: voice your privacy concerns to organizations if you’re worried about the way your personal information is being handled.
4. Just say no: decline to provide personal information if you're uncomfortable or it seems unnecessary.
5. Safeguard your Social Insurance Number: protect your SIN, only provide it when absolutely necessary.
6. Protect your devices: use passwords, encryption, and security software on all your devices.
7. Protect your passwords: Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.
8. Adjust your privacy and settings: regularly review and adjust your privacy and permission settings on all your digital devices, browsers, apps, and online accounts to control what personal information is shared or tracked.
9. Discard with discretion: securely erase all personal data from electronic devices before disposing, selling, or recycling them.
10. Know your rights: read up on the basics of privacy laws in Canada or your respective country.

Remember, your personal information is valuable. With data breaches becoming increasingly common, taking proactive steps to protect your privacy isn't just prudent – it's essential. By following these guidelines and staying informed about privacy practices, you can better safeguard your personal information in an interconnected world.

My experience at the wellness retreat sparked an enlightening discussion about digital privacy over dinner. It demonstrated how privacy awareness impacts our daily lives and the importance of being informed about our rights and responsibilities when it comes to personal data protection.

It's crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our personal information. By asking the right questions, understanding our rights, and following best practices for data protection, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with data breaches and identity theft. Ready to put your privacy knowledge to the test? Take our interactive quiz to assess your privacy know-how and discover areas where you can strengthen your personal data protection.