Lesson Notes — Data Collection & Data Privacy
Course 1: Computer Literacy / Unit 11: Data & Information Awareness / Lesson 1: Data Collection & Data Privacy
Lesson overview
Websites, apps, and devices collect user data all the time. Some of it is needed to make the service work, and some of it is used to learn about you. Data privacy is about your right to know what is collected and to have some control over it.
How data is collected
- Cookies are small files a website stores in your browser to remember you, for example to keep you signed in or hold items in a cart. Some cookies are used for tracking your activity across many sites.
- Telemetry is information that software and devices automatically send back about how they are used, such as crashes, settings, and features you use.
- Analytics tools count and study how people use a site or app, such as which pages are most popular.
- Accounts, forms, location services, and microphone or camera permissions also give away information.
Why companies want it
Targeted advertising uses what a company knows about you to show ads you are more likely to click. Many services are free because your data and attention are what the company sells.
Reading a privacy policy
A privacy policy explains what data a company collects and what it does with it. You do not have to read every word. Look for answers to these questions:
- What information do they collect?
- Who do they share it with?
- How long do they keep it?
- How can I see, change, or delete my data?
Taking control
To opt out means choosing not to take part in some kind of data collection. You can:
- Adjust cookie choices when a site asks, and decline the ones that are not needed.
- Review app permissions on your phone and turn off ones an app does not need.
- Use the ad and privacy settings in your accounts.
- Think before you share. Data you never provide cannot be collected.
Check your understanding
- What is the difference between a cookie and telemetry?
- Why might a free app collect a lot of data?
- Pick one app you use. What permissions does it have, and does it need all of them?
Use this lesson’s Key Terms page to build your glossary.