To actively promote awareness around data privacy, the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) is taking part in Data Privacy Week, an international campaign running from yesterday until Friday. The initiative aims to enhance privacy practices and boost confidence among individuals and organizations in the digital space. Governor Josh Stein underscored the significance of vigilance, stating, "Because we lead much of our lives online, we leave a detailed digital trail. To protect ourselves, we must protect our data," in a statement obtained by NCDIT's press release.
It is a commonly known fact that personal information gathered online can end up being stored for the long term, possibly being used to personalize user experiences or to monitor online activity. Companies may also compile such data to create detailed profiles, which can give insights into a person's behavior, preferences, and purchases, potentially ending to even sell this information. According to NCDIT's Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione, "With increasing connectivity and the rise of artificial intelligence and generative AI, protecting our personal information is more critical than ever."
In order to assist people in safeguarding their data privacy, NCDIT provides several actionable tips, such as frequently adjusting privacy settings on all devices, applications, and browsers. They advise to properly streamlining your online presence by deleting unused accounts and apps, disabling unnecessary tracking, and keeping essential software updated. The department also emphasizes reading privacy policies and terms of use thoughtfully before using new applications.
Among the privacy tips shared, careful consideration of social media posts and the extent of personal details revealed online is highlighted. "Share with care. Think before posting information about yourself or others," said NCDIT. When it comes to engaging with AI technologies, individuals are advised to be cautious with the amount and type of information shared, as AI systems can learn and adapt based on user inputs. Cherie Givens, the state’s chief privacy officer, reminded citizens, "It’s important to understand how to protect our own data, respect the privacy of others and minimize the amount of sensitive data we share because it may be used for unintended purposes."
