In today's digital age, safeguarding personal information is crucial for everyone, but it's especially vital for LGBTQ+ individuals who may face unique online vulnerabilities. A recent article by them, "How to Delete Yourself From the Internet: Cybersecurity Explained for LGBTQ+ People", delves into this topic, featuring insights from LGBT Tech, and other organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ digital rights. We’re grateful to them for featuring LGBT Tech in this important discussion on cybersecurity and digital privacy for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Personal information includes a wide range of data, from names and addresses to IP addresses and passwords. Chris Wood, co-founder and executive director of LGBT Tech, emphasizes the importance of understanding how companies handle this data:
“Most companies, especially if they're doing business internationally, are complying with the GDPR.”
This means that individuals may have the right to request the deletion of their data from companies that operate under these regulations. The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) grants individuals the right to have their personal data erased upon request. Wood explains, "There is a requirement within that law that ensures that companies provide people a way to delete their information." This is particularly significant for LGBTQ+ individuals, sex workers, and activists who may be more susceptible to online harassment or doxxing.
However, for many in the LGBTQ+ community, data risks is growing more concerning as the second Trump administration takes office. Arin Rook, Digital Inclusion Manager at LGBT Tech, points out,
We’ve seen lots of instances where folks in our community have had our data used, both in this country and other countries, against them, specifically targeting their identities,'
With social media platforms like Meta increasingly collaborating with the Trump administration, Rook emphasizes, "This requires us to do a lot more proactive work within our communities.'"
To bolster your online security, consider the following measures:
Use Password Managers: Create and store strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
Opt for Secure Browsers: Minimize data tracking with privacy-focused search engines or encrypted browsers.
Employ Encrypted Messaging Services: Apps like Signal ensure that your communications remain private.
Regularly Audit Your Online Presence: Review and delete unused accounts or outdated posts to reduce your digital footprint.
By implementing these steps, you can significantly enhance your digital privacy and protect yourself from potential online threats.
We appreciate them for highlighting this critical issue and featuring LGBT Tech’s insights on digital privacy. For more resources and guidance tailored for the LGBTQ+ community, visit Digital Navigator.
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