Personal data is valuable, so we need to protect it

Do you know what personal information is?

Of course, this is simple: the first and last name, phone number, age, address and more.

Will you reveal these if anyone asks you for them? Of course not, you’re probably shaking your head.

What if someone asks you to reveal a telephone number or address to start playing an online game?

Um, there might be a little complication here.

»Would you tell a stranger in the street what your name is, where you live and where you are going after school? Probably not, right? By sharing your data online you do exactly that: tell people about yourself. To those you know, and those you do not,« advises teacher Nina Jelen.

And she adds:

When they ask you for a first and last name in a game, it’s better to invent a nickname.

Do not share your data online. Especially if you are not sure who is on the other side.

Whenever you’re asked to reveal something about yourself, imagine that there is a billboard with your data in the middle of your city. Everyone can see it, everyone can keep this information and send it on.

Adults do not even know how to protect their personal information. Half a year after the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Information Commissioner Mojca Prelesnik says: »The main challenges are related to rapid technological development.«

According to her, such controls can only be effective when used together with prevention. Therefore, guidelines and materials have been prepared, such as in the form of infographics and questionnaires, she said during the European Day for the Protection of Personal Data at a round-table in the House of the EU [in Ljubljana].

Points to Consider

Why people compare data protection with tooth paste. Once it is out it can’t go back in?

Why is personal information as valuable as oil?

How do you protect your data?

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The original version of this article was published on January 29th.

English translation courtesy of JL Flanner, Total Slovenia News, an English language website with news from and about Slovenia.