Digital Footprint

We all browse through multiple information online on a daily basis. This can include searching for something on the search engine or clicking on information or suggestions that we get on browsers and social media. Have you ever wondered that this information is not just viewed by us when we go through it? Whenever we search or go through some data or information we always leave a trail behind. This activity or interaction with the digital environment is called Digital Footprint.

How does Digital Footprint work?

A digital footprint works by accumulating data from your activities and interactions in digital environments. Here’s a breakdown of how it works –

1. Accepting the cookies on websites means you allow them to monitor your visits, clicks and time spent on the website.
2. Social media platforms collect data on your interaction, including post likes, comments, shares, and the amount of people you are connected with on social media.
3. Mobile apps can track a lot of trails that you leave behind while using them. This could include data from your device, including location, contacts, and usage patterns.
4. Every search query you make is recorded and can be used to profile your interests and preferences.
5. E-commerce platforms also track your information such as your purchase history, payment information, and browsing behaviour to tailor recommendations and advertisements.

Types of Digital Footprint –

There are two major types of footprint that involve data collection. This includes –

1. Active Digital Footprint –

This type of footprint is created when the user shares data intentionally. Willingly shared data can include

• Social Media posts such as images, videos and updates.
• Likes, comments and shares on social media.
• Emails and messages sent and received on mail, Whatsapp etc.
• Information shared through forms and surveys online.
• When blogs and articles are posted or shared.
• Reviews and Feedback also come under willingly shared information.
• Information provided during the checkout process on e-commerce sites.

2. Passive Digital Footprint –

A passive digital footprint is created without the user’s intentional action. It is comprised of data collected automatically as users navigate the internet and use digital services. This includes –

• Records of websites visited, pages viewed, and time spent on each site.
• Small data files stored on a user’s device by websites to track browsing behaviour and preferences.
• Tracking through IP address which tracks the general location and service provider of the user.
• Location tracking through GPS.
• Logs of search queries entered into search engines like Google.
• Data collected by apps regarding how often and how long they are used, including in-app activities and preferences.
• Details about the device used to access services, including device type, operating system, and browser.

Wrapping it up –

Digital footprint is generally used by websites and social media platforms to personalize users’ experiences. This will help them see relevant content and advertisements. It is also used to improve services and make business decisions based on the available data. Furthermore, it helps in marketing and understanding how to run ads based on the metrics. However, a digital footprint can be an invasion of privacy and can be managed in the following ways. You can clear cookies while visiting a website and also alter the privacy settings on your phone. Use a VPN and be mindful of the information you share online. App permissions can be altered to allow only required information to be seen. This will safeguard your privacy.

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