It’s impossible to have an online presence without creating and sharing data. 

This sometimes includes your name, address, email, date of birth or location. It can be videos and images of you and your family. 

Data also includes the things you ‘like’ and or scroll past. This is how social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram decide how to suggest new content to keep users engaged.

Data can also be the things you do when browsing websites. Cookies are the small pieces of information, shared between the websites and your internet browser. This is why items are still in your shopping cart when you go back a few days later. 

Whether it's scrolling through social media or browsing the latest online sales, if you don’t understand what data you are sharing, you can't make informed decisions about what you're happy with and what you prefer to keep to yourself.

Understanding data – and what information is being collected about you – is crucial to being able to control it. This is why it is important for us to be asking better questions. 

Here is an example:  

Someone is scrolling through their social media, and they see a post advertising an article that grabs their attention. They click the link, and it takes them to a website. Before they can read the article, they are asked to “accept cookies”. 

Has this happened to you? Instead of just clicking ‘accept’ to get this pop-up to go away, you could ask yourself: what am I giving permission for? 

As well as asking questions, knowing how to use your settings is important to protect personal information from those you would rather not have it.

1. Reject cookies 

Don’t worry if you usually accept cookies without thinking. Generally, they are designed to improve your experience. The point is, nothing bad will happen if you say no! 

Try rejecting cookies from time to time. You might not have time to read the terms and conditions about how the data is being used, but by saying no, you are taking a little control back. 

2. Just ask: why? 

Have you ever been asked for your email address in a shop so they can send you a digital e-receipt? It might be to add you to their database or send you digital marketing emails. 

You might be fine with that: but it's your choice Try it out: the next time someone asks for your email address, simply ask “why?” If you’re in any doubt, you can always say no. 

3. Check your settings 

Ask yourself: how protected are my accounts? 

Check the settings on any online accounts you might use – for example, Facebook or Vinted – and see how you are set up. 

Are you happy with who can see data from your account? For example, your images and videos, or see your location. 

You can check settings to decide. It may take a little time but set yourself a target of one account per week. It will have you more in control before long.  

Content – and how to be critical of what you see and hear 

Environments – and how to be wary of the places you go online 

Consequences – and how to understand the impacts of your actions online 

How to participate positively