We all know about the great benefits of the Internet and social media. We are online virtually more or less 24/7 and use the Internet and smartphones for socialising, receiving and sharing information and as helpful gadgets for our daily life. But the Internet also poses risks of significant harm through sexting, grooming or cyber bullying. Therefore, we want to inform you about the issue of data protection and your right to your own image.
How can I protect myself from cyber-bullying?
What should I pay attention to in the context of sexting?
How can I protect myself from cyber-grooming?
Data privacy is the privacy of personal information and usually relates to personal data in computer systems. Data protection is a fundamental right of every person. Data protection laws regulate who is allowed to possess and use data under which circumstances. Personal data is information relating to a person identifiable by an identification number or by factors specific to his/her physical, physiological, mental, economic, cultural or social identity. Personal data comprises information like name, address, birth date or age as well as sensitive data about a person’s health, political and religious beliefs, ethical background and sexual life. In case your data is misused or published, you usually have the right to compensation.
Furthermore, every person has the "right to one’s own image", including the right to control the use of one’s image and to refuse its publication. Usually this includes the right to delete published pictures and videos.
In general, every person can decide what kind of personal information about themselves they want to share with others. But especially online, the protection of personal data can never be fully guaranteed. Every time you are online, you leave behind traces and the internet has a long memory. Once information is online, it can hardly be controlled or deleted.
Get informed how you can protect yourself from cyber-bullying, sexting and cyber-grooming and what you can do if you are affected.
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