In our "Web3 Collective Stories" series we regularly invite dedicated community members / partners to share with us what inspires them. This post is written by Personaldata.Info.
It is a must read if you care about your Privacy and Data Security/Data Protection.

The Importance Of Internet Privacy In The Digital Era.

In today's digital age, our personal information is constantly being shared by corporations looking to make a profit. While at first this may seem harmless, it can actually pose a serious threat to our security and privacy. As someone who enjoys privacy, I have become increasingly interested in online privacy and why it matters. In this post, I will explore why privacy is important in today's digital age and share my passion for educating others about this crucial topic.

The rapid growth of a surveillance economy has led to a concerning issue. It is now easier than ever for businesses to collect sensitive data from their users, such as birth dates, email addresses, phone numbers, financial information, and much more. This is an immediate threat to privacy and individuality, as this data allows corporations and data brokers to make more money by selling user data or showing users targeted ads based off of their online activities.

In fact, according to http://maximizemarketresearch.com, the data brokerage market was valued at $25.16 billion in 2021. Our data is being traded and used by companies to maximize profit without concern for privacy.

Not only are corporations using our data to maximize profit, but many times poor security practices lead to breaches that leave sensitive information in the hands of hackers with malicious intent. In January 2023, T-Mobile confirmed that they suffered a data breach that exposed the names, numbers of phone lines, email addresses, phone numbers, and billing addresses of over 37 million customers. Issues like this are becoming increasingly common, which amplifies the need for online privacy education and awareness.

When our personal data is exposed or misused, we may face identity theft, fraud, and loss of financial resources. We may also be manipulated due to algorithms using our data to show us content corporations want us to see, which can influence our purchasing behavior and decision-making.

Online privacy is a human right that deserves respect and protection from all parties involved in the digital ecosystem.

However, many people are unaware of how much data they are sharing online and how it can be used against them.

To safeguard our online privacy, we need to take proactive steps to control our data and limit its exposure. We can use tools such as encryption, VPNs, ad blockers, and privacy-focused software to enhance our security and anonymity online. We can also review the privacy policies and settings of the platforms and services we use and opt out of data collection and sharing whenever possible. Moreover, we can educate ourselves and others about the risks and benefits of privacy and how to exercise our rights and responsibilities as digital citizens.

Although online privacy is a concern for everyone, some individuals possess a deeper understanding and appreciation of its importance. I have always been intrigued by the internet and its inner workings. My curiosity led me to explore web development and create my own websites and applications. However, as I dove deeper, I also became aware of the dark side of the internet and how it could be exploited by malicious actors. This realization compelled me to take action and share my knowledge with others.

My passion for online privacy was ignited by my pursuit of web development and my discovery that companies could collect significant amounts of information merely by a user visiting a website. This information can then be used for targeted advertising or to track a user's online activity.

As a result, I created my website, http://personaldata.info, which helps users identify the data they are exposing to the web. By empowering others with knowledge and tools to protect their online privacy, I hope to make a positive impact in a digital age.

Through this website, I help spread awareness for online privacy and share tips on what you can do to protect your data online. In today's digital world, we must protect our privacy, and one of the best ways to do that is through education. 

People need to be aware of what data is being collected and how it is being used. By taking the time to educate ourselves and others about online privacy, we can help to ensure that our personal information remains safe and secure in an increasingly connected world.

Follow Personal.Data on their website and social media (FaceBook, Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn) to stay alert and keep an edge when it comes to your Privacy, Data Security and Data Protection!  https://personaldata.info/index.html