What is Internet Privacy, and Why It’s Essential in 2024?

Ali Qamar  - Cybersecurity Analyst
Last updated: January 1, 2024
Read time: 30 minutes
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This article provides an overview of informational privacy by describing the information that is protected and why it matters.

THE TAKEAWAYS

The term “Internet Privacy” or “Informational Privacy” is now commonly discussed among internet users due to the massive upsurge in privacy issues today. These interchangeable terms, having the same concept of handling the users’ online data, primarily refer to how the government and other organizations track, collect, analyze, and sell the data to third parties. Mostly, such data collection is without the respective users’ consent, violating their online privacy rights. With this detailed guide, let’s learn more about internet privacy and how it is crucial today.

Most internet users want to control how their information is collected and used. In addition, they wish to understand who knows what about them and how they learned it. But on top of that, users even more appreciate their informational privacy and security in the digital world.

Although, some users do not mind giving away their personal information to the service providers to improve functionality. However, most internet users want guarantees about who has the privilege to use personal information and to what extent. That’s why and how the terminologies like “data privacy,” “consent for sharing,” “data abuse,” and “privacy breach” trigger heated debates.

What is online privacy?

Privacy is a concept that has been around for ages, but the advent of the internet and social media has significantly impacted its meaning. Privacy means being alone and not being watched or interrupted by others. However, in today’s digital age, this definition has evolved to encompass protecting personal data and preventing behavior tracking without explicit consent.

When you go online, you leave digital footprints used by various entities to track your behavior, monitor your activity, and collect your data. This intrusion into your online life can leave you feeling exposed and vulnerable. Regardless of whether you are alone when browsing the internet, someone is watching and building your online behavioral profile. This behavioral profile is later used to target you with personalized ads.