Data Privacy and Data Ethics – SS1 Digital Technologies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Digital ethics is the practice of applying honesty, kindness and respect whenever we use digital technology.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define digital ethics and apply the “Grandmother Rule”;
2. explain data privacy and list ways to protect it;
3. describe what cyberbullying looks like and what to do if it happens;
4. state the key rights given by the NDPR;
5. recite and explain the Digital Citizen’s Pledge.

What is digital ethics?

Digital ethics is the study of what is right and wrong when we use digital technology.

• Same values: the honesty, kindness and respect we are taught in the real world also apply on the internet.
• Same consequences: what you do online can hurt real people and can have real results for you.

What is the “Grandmother Rule”?

The Grandmother Rule is a simple test: do not post anything you would not want your grandmother or principal to see.

• Ask first: before you post a comment, share a photo or send a message, ask, “Would I be comfortable if my grandmother or my principal saw this?”
• If the answer is no: do not do it.

What does responsible use of the internet include?

• Respecting copyright: not stealing other people’s music, photos or essays and claiming they are yours.
• Truthfulness: not spreading “fake news” or rumours that could hurt someone’s reputation.
• Privacy: not sharing someone else’s phone number or private photos without their permission.
• Respectful language: not insulting or mocking others in comments and chats.

What is data privacy?

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

• Digital self: protecting your data means protecting who you are online.
• Personal data: examples are your name, phone number, home address, photos, location and passwords.

Why is personal data valuable?

• Given away easily: when you sign up for an app, you often give away your name, location and interests.
• Used by companies: they use it to decide which adverts to show you.
• Misused by hackers: they can use it to steal your identity.

How can you protect your data privacy?

1. Check permissions: does that “Flashlight App” really need access to your contacts and microphone? If not, say no.
2. Use privacy settings: set your social media profiles to “Private” or “Friends Only”.
3. Control “invisible” data: be careful with geo-tagging, which adds your location to a post. Anyone can then see where you live or go to school.
4. Protect your passwords: use a different, hard-to-guess password for each account and never share it.
5. Think before you share: do not post your address, phone number or school timetable publicly.

What is the difference between a private and a public profile?

A private profile can be seen only by people you approve, while a public profile can be seen by anyone online.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices such as mobile phones, computers and tablets.

• Always on: because it happens online, it can happen 24 hours a day.
• Hard to escape: it can reach a victim even when they are alone in their room.
• Wide audience: a hurtful post can be seen and shared by many people quickly.

What does cyberbullying look like?

• Mean messages: sending insulting or threatening messages.
• Embarrassing photos: posting photos of someone without their consent.
• Exclusion: leaving someone out of a group chat on purpose to make them feel bad.
• Rumours: starting or spreading false stories online.

What should you do if you are cyberbullied?

1. Do not retaliate: if you fight back, the bully gets what they want, which is a reaction.
2. Save the evidence: take screenshots of the messages.
3. Block and report: use the tools built into the app to stop the bully from contacting you.
4. Talk to an adult: tell a teacher, parent or trusted adult. You do not have to deal with it alone.

What should you do if you see someone else being bullied?

• Do not join in: do not like, share or laugh at the hurtful post.
• Support the victim: send a kind private message to show you care.
• Report it: use the app’s report tool and tell a teacher or other trusted adult.

What does the NDPR say about data protection?

The NDPR (Nigeria Data Protection Regulation) is the Nigerian regulation that sets rules for how organisations must handle personal data.

• Purpose: it makes sure companies do not mishandle your information.
• Issued by: the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in 2019.

What rights do you have under data protection rules?

1. Right to be informed: companies must tell you what they are doing with your data.
2. Right to access: you can 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.

What must companies do to protect your data?

• Keep data secure: companies are legally required to keep your data safe from hackers.
• Face penalties: a company that loses your data through carelessness can be fined.

What is a digital citizen?

A digital citizen is a person who uses the internet and digital tools safely, responsibly and respectfully.

• Digital footprint: the trail of everything you do online.
• Long-lasting: your footprint can follow you for the rest of your life.
• Who may look: university admissions officers and future employers may look at what you posted today.

What is the Digital Citizen’s Pledge?

The Digital Citizen’s Pledge is a set of promises that guide how a student behaves online.

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

Evaluation

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

Assignment

Write about half a page explaining three ways a student can protect their data privacy online and the steps to take if they are cyberbullied.