Surveillance, big data, and data leaks. How do we, as online users, maintain control over our data on the Internet?

Are planning a 90-minute workshop on the subject “Data privacy and security”? Scroll down to find helpful ideas.

You will find specific ideas and example excercises for your workshop participants.

Address, date of birth, bank account data – a lot of information about you is stored as a matter of course. But what happens when your data is passed on to others? How can you protect yourself?

“Data privacy” is different than “data protection”. The former refers to the government’s aim of protecting the people whose data is collected, stored and used. Data privacy regulations are laid down in laws. They are designed to prevent people from losing control of their personal data. People should always be able to decide for themselves how their data is used. This principle is called informational self-determination.

It is not always clear at first glance what data a person leaves behind on the Internet. However, we often disclose very personal data, even though we are not aware of it. For example, when we search the Internet for our disease symptoms.

Have you ever looked yourself up on the internet? What information about you can be found online?

Anna-Lena uses various apps on her smartphone in her free time. She often uses a flashlight app on her way home in the evening. The light makes her feel safer when she is alone. But a flashlight app doesn’t need data like location or your contacts.

Think about it before you continue scrolling: Is this true?

Anna-Lena was looking for a new smartphone when she came across a very interesting contest from a trustworthy source. To enter, all she had to do was enter her address and phone number. A few days later, her phone rang. Anna-Lena was offered new smartphones and mobile phone contracts.

Think about it before you continue scrolling: Can you imagine such a situation?

In her free time, Anna-Lena likes to use social media – especially for new trends such as dating apps. She recently came across a new, interesting app. After she downloaded it, an enormous amount of advertising suddenly appeared on her mobile phone. In addition to advertising for clothing and mobile phone contracts, a window with a virus warning also appeared. It asked for personal information and information about her device. The virus could only be removed after she entered the information it was asking for.

Think about it before you continue scrolling: Is that possible? What could be the cause of all of the advertising?

Data privacy starts with the device you’re using. Keep your smartphone, PC, and tablet software up to date at all times. You can prevent unauthorized access by using PINs, passwords, or fingerprint or face scanners. Anti-virus programs on mobile devices also offer protection.

Are all of your gadgets safe? Take a look at how you can make your smartphone or router more secure.

A quick e-mail check while you’re on the go? Public networks are a convenient way to connect to the Internet. However, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Find out more on the next page!

Data privacy is becoming increasingly important in an increasingly automated and networked world. As a user, you always want to have control over your data.

Data privacy was also the central issue in the development of the Corona-Warn-App in June 2020: How do you design an app that knows who you have been in contact with without accessing the location of the device?
In the end, the choice was made for Bluetooth Low Energy Technology, which does not collect location data. In addition, the app’s source code was published and can be accessed at any time.
These and many other measures ensure an extraordinarily high level of data protection for the application.

Further information on the Corona-Warn-App can be found here.

Stay in control and be proactive! You have learned about many of the possibilities in this module: change the privacy settings of your social networks and protect your devices. Data privacy is your right – use it!