Internet privacy is a subset of the larger world of data privacy that covers the collection, use, and secure storage of PI generally. Internet privacy is concerned primarily with how PI is exposed over the Web, through tracking, data collection, data sharing, and cyber security threats. The global spread of COVID-19 has generated numerous privacy, data protection, security and compliance questions. These challenges are driving the need for companies and organizations to ensure their digital experience platform(s) are not only secure, but forward looking. COVID-19, a novel Coronavirus Disease, has shaken the world to its core. In a matter of weeks, the issue of health has become everyone’s priority, pushing many other essentials to the side.
To quickly help curtail the spread of the virus, various mobile technologies are being used by the governments of several countries. Perhaps because of the sense of urgency, the issue of privacy does not always seem to be at the forefront of everyone involved. However, especially in times of crisis, it is of the utmost importance to not abandon our civil liberties. Protecting our privacy should remain a focus for everyone. Right to privacy cannot be ignored when it comes to highlighting contemporary human rights of an individual. The same has been welcomed also as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The spread of the pandemic has made the public increasingly concerned about their privacy. Facebook and WhatsApp records reveal a highly confidential list of private details of several passengers who travelled to New Delhi in the time of Corona drafted by the Government itself.
Even though the Government claims it was for security purposes, such information being leaked on social media platforms is highly unacceptable and disturbing. Another government action which meddled with the privacy of the people was the launch of the Aarogya Setu app. This is a tracking app which lets the citizens know if they have been in contact with any infected person. The creators claim that the data is codified and nothing is shared with a stranger, also the location tracking feature does not intend to violate privacy but is rather a feature which sends reports directly to the government. However, it can be regarded a subtle mass surveillance technique. The information fed into this app might be misused if it falls into criminal hands. It is not compulsory for the citizens to download this application but the Government has been actively promoting it.
Guidelines That Help To Keep Safe While Using Internet:-
- Do not share Net banking password and OTP, ATM, or Phone Banking pin, CVV no. etc with any person even if he/she claims to be an employee or representative of the Bank and also report such incident to the bank ASAP.
- Always ensure all devices and accounts and protected by a strong pin or passcode and never share with anyone.
- Always download software or application from known and trusted sources only, never use pirated software for a personal device.
- Avoid downloading email attachments received in email box from unknown or untrusted sources
- While using social media restrict your profile access.
- Ensure your information photos and videos are accessible to your trusted ones.
- Be careful while updating photos on social media which shows the location where frequently visits as stalker may keep tabs on that.
- Protect devices through security software such as antivirus with the latest version
With these measures a person can safe their personal information to some extent, which is very much during the times of Covid-19. No-one likes the idea of stealing their personal information, but during this time where almost everything is online, it is highly needed that our personal information always remain protected. That’s why the above mentioned measures are very important.
Aishwarya Says:
I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.
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