What does online privacy refer to?

Online privacy refers specifically to the protection of personal information shared online. This concept encompasses the various measures and practices that individuals and organizations can employ to safeguard their sensitive data from unauthorized access, theft, or misuse. With the rise of the internet and digital communication, online privacy has become increasingly important as people share a wealth of personal information—such as names, addresses, financial details, and preferences—across various platforms.

The focus on protecting personal information ensures that individuals have control over what they share and with whom, thereby minimizing the risk of identity theft, stalking, or unwanted targeting by advertisers. Awareness of online privacy also encourages users to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and carefully manage their privacy settings on social media and other online services.