Most people don't know the differences between public and private information. We often share snippets of our lives online without considering the long-term consequences. But what exactly is public information? What remains private?
And how can you control your online presence?
Let's break it down.
What is Public Information?
Public information is any data not legally protected and accessible to anyone. This includes:
Information you share publicly online: Social media posts, comments, photos, videos, and blog posts.
Public records: Court records, property records, voter registration, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and other government-issued documents.
Data brokers: Companies that collect and sell personal information from various sources, including public records, online activity, and loyalty card programs.
Addresses: Your home address and any previous addresses associated with you are often considered public information and can be found in property records.
What is Private Information?
Private information is data that is protected by law and should not be shared without your consent. This includes:
Social Security Number (SSN): Your SSN is a unique identifier that should be guarded carefully.
Financial Information: Bank account numbers, credit card details, and investment portfolios.
Medical Records: Your health history is confidential and should only be shared with authorized healthcare providers.
Private Communications: Personal emails, text messages, and direct messages on social media platforms.
Blurring the Lines
The line between public and private information is often blurred. For example, while your home address might be considered a public record, you may not want it readily accessible to anyone online. Similarly, while your social media posts might be public, you may not want them to appear in search engine results or be used by employers for background checks.
Think Your Information is Private? Think Again!
Many are shocked to discover how much of their private information is online. A simple Google search of your name can reveal many personal details, from your current and past addresses to your phone numbers and even your relatives. This is often due to data brokers who aggregate information from various sources and make it easily accessible to anyone.
Taking Control of Your Information
Here's where things get interesting. You have the right to request the removal of your personal information from certain data broker websites. These websites often aggregate data from various sources, making it easily searchable potentially exposing your private information to anyone.
Some popular data broker sites you can request removal from include:
Spokeo
BeenVerified
Whitepages
PeopleFinder
Radaris
The process for removal varies depending on the website but typically involves submitting a request through their online form or contacting their customer service.
What Remains Private?
While you can control some of your online information, certain data remains private and legally protected. For example, your Social Security Number, financial information, and medical records should never be shared publicly.
Private communications like emails and direct messages are generally protected under privacy laws, although there are exceptions for law enforcement investigations.
Understanding What's Allowed
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech in the United States, meaning individuals can express themselves online. However, this right is not absolute and does not extend to hate speech, defamation, or other harmful content.
Taking Proactive Steps
Protecting your online privacy is an ongoing effort. Be mindful of what you share online, review your privacy settings regularly, and consider using tools like privacy-focused browsers and password managers. You can also opt out of data broker websites and monitor your credit report for suspicious activity.
Remember, your digital footprint is a reflection of you. Understanding the distinction between public and private information and taking proactive steps to protect your data can safeguard your privacy and maintain control of your online identity.
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