Tech to protect online privacy during life changes

A cybersecurity study aims to help people manage their online privacy during substantial life changes.

Privacy is an integral part of our lives. We like to think we have control over who can see what we post, the emails we send, and the things we share. But in a digital world, privacy isn’t as simple as keeping things to yourself. Today, our privacy is also about managing who can see what we share online.

Privacy is a sensitive subject for many people. We are used to sharing details about our lives with others, but some would rather keep certain aspects of our lives private. Managing your online privacy is more important than ever in today’s digital world than ever. When you make a significant life change the privacy settings on your social media accounts, email, and other digital services may need a refresh. Those life changes could include marriage, having a baby, or moving house.

Overview of the tech protecting online privacy

A cybersecurity study involving the University of Strathclyde seeks to help people control their online privacy. The three-year, £3.5 million projects will produce three Privacy-Enhancing Technologies to help people navigate significant life transitions. These changes include relationship breakdowns, severe illness formation, or coming out LBGTQ+.

Experts in Cybersecurity, Law, Psychology, Business, and Criminology will cooperate in the project – AP4L. It stands for Adaptive PETs to Protect & Empower People during Life Transitions.

Professor Wendy Moncur of Strathclyde’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences leads the project. She said that managing privacy online became complicated. Unless we’re experts at privacy settings and have time, it’s possible to reveal a lot about ourselves to a vast and unseen audience. Many people say that their lives are ‘boring’ and are not worried about their privacy online, yet there are good reasons to manage online privacy when significant life changes happen.