Data Privacy and Data Ethics SS1 Digital Technologies Lesson Note

What is Digital Ethics?

In the “real world,” we are taught to be honest, kind, and respectful. Digital Ethics is simply applying those same human values to the internet. It is the study of what is right and wrong when we use digital technology.

The “Grandmother Rule”

A simple way to understand digital ethics is this: Before you post a comment, share a photo, or send a message, ask yourself: “Would I be comfortable if my grandmother or my principal saw this?” If the answer is no, don’t do it.

Responsible Use Includes:

• Respecting Copyright: Not stealing other people’s music, photos, or essays and claiming they are yours.
• Truthfulness: Not spreading “Fake News” or rumors that could hurt someone’s reputation.
• Privacy: Not sharing someone else’s phone number or private photos without their permission.

Data Privacy (Protecting Your “Digital Self”)

Your Data Privacy is your right to control how your personal information is collected and used online.

When you sign up for an app, you often give away data like your name, location, and interests. This information is valuable—companies use it to show you ads, but hackers can use it to steal your identity.

How to Protect Your Privacy:

1. Check Permissions: Does that “Flashlight App” really need access to your contacts and microphone? If not, say no.
2. Privacy Settings: Set your social media profiles to “Private” or “Friends Only.”
3. The “Invisible” Data: Be careful with Geo-tagging. If you post a photo with your location turned on, anyone can see exactly where you live or go to school.

Cyberbullying (The Power of Words)

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Because it happens online, it can happen 24 hours a day and reach a victim even when they are alone in their room.

What does it look like?

• Sending mean or threatening messages.
• Posting embarrassing photos of someone without their consent.
• Excluding someone from a group chat on purpose to make them feel bad.
• Starting or spreading rumors online.

What should you do?

• Don’t Retaliate: If you fight back, the bully gets what they want (a reaction).
• Save the Evidence: Take screenshots of the messages.
• Block and Report: Use the tools built into the app to stop the bully from contacting you.
• Talk to an Adult: Tell a teacher, parent, or trusted adult. You don’t have to deal with it alone.

Data Protection Laws (The NDPR)

In Nigeria, we have laws to make sure companies don’t mishandle your information. The main one is the NDPR (Nigeria Data Protection Regulation).

Key Rights under Data Protection Laws:

1. Right to be Informed: Companies must tell you exactly what they are doing with your data.
2. Right to Access: You have the right to ask a company, “What information do you have about me?”
3. Right to Erasure (The Right to be Forgotten): You can ask a company to delete your data if you no longer want to use their service.
4. Security: Companies are legally required to keep your data safe from hackers. If they lose your data because they were careless, they can be fined millions of Naira.

Summary & The Digital Citizen’s Pledge

Being a student in the 21st century means you are a Digital Citizen. Your “Digital Footprint”—the trail of everything you do online—will follow you for the rest of your life. University admissions officers and future employers will look at what you posted today.

The Digital Citizen’s Pledge:

• I will think before I post.
• I will protect my passwords and my privacy.
• I will stand up against cyberbullying.
• I will give credit to others for their work.
• I will use the internet to build people up, not tear them down.

Review Questions

1. Define “Digital Ethics” in your own words.
2. What is the difference between a “Private” profile and a “Public” profile?
3. If you see someone being bullied in a WhatsApp group, what is the most ethical thing to do?

What does the NDPR stand for, and why is it important for Nigerians?