Data protection and privacy

Data protection, privacy and personal rights on the Internet: not an easy topic!

Where do you leave traces on the Internet? Where should we be particularly careful to ensure that personal data is not misused? What tips should children and young people in particular be aware of?

klicksafe addresses questions like these in this topic area and compiles relevant information and materials on the topic of data protection on the Internet.

Why is data protection on the web so important?

"But I have nothing to hide!" - Have you ever reacted like this to a question about data protection? Unfortunately, this is a fallacy with consequences. It can harm anyone if certain private information - such as about a serious illness - becomes public. It is also underestimated that private data does not necessarily convey a correct or objective image of a person. The image that others gain of you in this way can therefore be quite different from the image that you yourself believe to be correct.

In addition, many people may be too little aware that security gaps can allow unauthorized access to user data by third parties. For example, e-mail addresses and other private data can be misused for spam or user profiles can be sold on. Credit card numbers, bank data, etc. can end up in the hands of fraudsters and cause considerable financial damage. Or even innocent users can be targeted by the security authorities.

How do I protect my data on the Internet?

There are a few ways to avoid leaving visible traces, for example, for other users of a PC. Most browsers can be set so that accessed pages are not stored in the cache on the local hard disk in the first place. You can also determine whether the history is saved or disappears after each completed visit. If you do not make these settings, you should delete the cache manually afterwards.

In most cases, large companies and web operators are more interested in which websites you visit than a family member or the like. In order not to give away any information here, you should take a look at your cookie settings. You can either completely prevent cookies from being dropped, allow cookies only for the current session, or allow cookies in general and block cookies only from certain sites.

A very comprehensive list of instructions and tips on special checks is available at Deutschland sicher im Netz .

Secure passwords

Email account, online store, online banking or chat. Regardless of the Internet service, passwords are essential for identifying users. They allow them to protect themselves from unauthorized interference from strangers. Some rules are very important when composing a password, such as:

  • The longer the better.
  • Use upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.
  • It should not be found in a dictionary.

In the following box you will find various offers that provide some tips and further information on how to create a secure password.

Tips and information on password security

Responding correctly in the event of data misuse

If unwanted personal data, information or images spread on the Internet or on other people's smartphones, take action against them. According to the GDPR, data subjects have a right against the controller to have the personal data deleted. Here are some tips:

  • Is it known who published the content? Then request this person in writing to remove the content by a deadline you set.
  • If this has no effect or is not possible, contact the operator of the website. Set a deadline here as well. There are special report buttons on social networks.
  • If this is also unsuccessful, you can contact the data protection supervisory authority in your federal state or, if necessary, a lawyer.
  • In bad cases (severe insults, very problematic images that should be removed quickly, ...) you should also involve the police.