Cyberbullying is just one of many reasons for valuing online privacy for internet users. Not only does lack of privacy provide information and targets for potential cyberbullies, it also allows companies and intelligence agencies to gather data on internet users. By simply using the internet, the public is sharing an abundance of information about itself. For example, syncing a contact list with social media sites reveals personal data to a third party.
With the recent rise of cyberbullying in different parts of the world, it remains vital to maintain online privacy. Many people are now fighting back by using technology; they’re downloading programs that enable them to see who’s watching them and how they’re being monitored.
With an estimated 2,000 times the average online user is tracked every day, it is no surprise that many people are looking for ways to cover their digital footprints. For example, ad-blockers that keep ads off your screen and prevent ad companies from obtaining personal information are widely used.
Another program being used to protect internet users is AVG PrivacyFix, a free program that allows users to see what information they’re sharing with social networks. Additionally, it notifies users when privacy settings are weak to alert users of privacy risks.
Still other users are covering their digital footprints by monitoring cookies, or small text files that can carry information from the client computer to a particular website. By clearing cookies and browser history, internet users regain some control over their online privacy.
Privacy remains a pressure point for online bullies who are able to target their victims by obtaining personal information. By following some of the methods in this article as well as taking proper precautions, online users may minimize the potential threat of an online bully.
