Frequently Asked Questions
How is youth privacy protection different from digital literacy?
Children are taught digital literacy in school. What they are taught tends to focus on cyberbullying, dealing with strangers online and thinking in general before posting online. Children do not always understand the risks associated with exchanging information online, ie databrokers, third parties, affiliates, all gathering, packaging, and selling this information.
How do third parties and companies track me online?
First parties, third parties, affiliates, and data brokers track your online experience with a variety of tools. The most commonly known tool is called a cookie. These are stored by the website you visit, so that the website can track how many times you visit their url and target you with advertisements. Additionally, many businesses and affiliates track your online behaviors by your IP Address.
To learn more about cookies and other tracking methods, visit: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0042-online-tracking
Can I stop third parties and data brokers from tracking me?
While stopping first party businesses from tracking your online experience is not realistically possible, there are ways to limit third parties and affiliates from tracking your online behaviors. Sending a "Do not Track" signal is available on many browsers and devices in the privacy settings. This sends a signal to businesses that you do not wished to be tracked website to website, if the business has made a commitment to honor this request, they will not track your visit. However, not all businesses have opted-in on this. Read a company's privacy policy in order to understand how your information is used and shared within that business.
Clearing your cache and history often will help with preventing retargeted advertisments. To learn more about on keeping personal information safe visit: https://www.privacyrights.org/privacy-survival-take-control-your-personal-information
