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Data Privacy Expert Warns Against Casual Sharing of Personal Information Online
On Safer Internet Day, prominent data privacy lawyer Cecilia Soria urged the public to exercise greater caution when sharing personal information online, particularly on social media platforms.
“Many users have become dangerously casual about divulging sensitive personal details without considering the potential consequences,” Soria explained during a recent interview. “What seems like harmless sharing can create significant vulnerabilities in our digital lives.”
The warning comes amid growing concerns about data harvesting practices by technology companies and the increasing sophistication of identity theft operations worldwide. According to recent cybersecurity reports, personal information leaked through social media platforms has become a primary source for targeted phishing attempts and fraud schemes.
Soria highlighted several common yet risky behaviors she’s observed in her practice. “People routinely complete quizzes that ask for birth dates, mother’s maiden names, or first pet names—essentially giving away common security question answers,” she noted. “Others post photos of identification cards, travel documents, or share real-time location data without recognizing the potential risks.”
The implications extend beyond immediate privacy concerns. Data aggregators can compile seemingly innocuous information shared across multiple platforms to create detailed profiles that may be sold to third parties or exploited by bad actors. These comprehensive profiles enable highly personalized targeting for both commercial and malicious purposes.
Industry analysts have observed this trend accelerating during the pandemic when more aspects of daily life shifted online. Social media usage surged by approximately 13% globally in 2020, according to data from GlobalWebIndex, creating additional opportunities for data exposure.
“The digital footprint most users create is far more extensive than they realize,” explained cybersecurity consultant Miguel Ramirez. “From location metadata in photos to behavioral patterns revealed through check-ins and activity timestamps, users unknowingly document their lives in remarkable detail.”
Legal protections for personal data vary significantly by region, with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) offering some of the most comprehensive safeguards. However, enforcement challenges and the global nature of the internet mean individuals must take proactive steps to protect themselves.
Soria recommends several practical measures for improved online privacy. “Review privacy settings on all platforms regularly, as these often change with updates. Be selective about which apps can access your location, contacts, and other sensitive information. Consider using a dedicated email address for social media accounts separate from what you use for banking and other critical services.”
She also suggests periodically conducting personal data audits. “Search your own name online and review what information is publicly available. Request removal of sensitive details where possible and consider limiting future sharing based on what you discover.”
Companies also bear responsibility for these issues, according to digital rights advocates. Transparency about data collection practices and providing users with meaningful control over their information are essential components of ethical business operations in the digital economy.
As Safer Internet Day initiatives continue to promote responsible online behavior, experts emphasize that digital literacy must include privacy awareness. Schools, community organizations, and government agencies increasingly incorporate these topics into educational programs.
“Understanding the value of your personal information is the first step toward protecting it,” Soria concluded. “In our connected world, mindfulness about what we share isn’t paranoia—it’s prudent digital citizenship.”
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9 Comments
Excellent advice from the data privacy expert. In this digital age, we have to be so vigilant about protecting our personal information. Casual sharing on social media can have serious consequences down the line.
This is an important reminder about the risks of oversharing on social media. The data privacy expert raises valid concerns that everyone should take to heart. We have to be more careful about our digital footprint.
Wise words. I’m always shocked by how much people willingly give away about themselves online without a second thought. We really need to rethink our social media habits to safeguard our privacy and security.
Completely agree. Things like security questions and ID photos may seem harmless, but they can make us easy targets for identity thieves and other criminals.
Interesting insights on the risks of oversharing personal details on social media. The expert’s advice to be more cautious is well-founded given the growing threat of identity theft and fraud schemes targeting people’s online information.
Agreed, this is a crucial issue that everyone needs to take seriously. Even simple things like quizzes and photo posts can create real vulnerabilities if we’re not careful.
As someone working in the tech industry, I see firsthand how much personal data gets collected and used, often in ways the average person doesn’t realize. This warning about social media habits is a good wake-up call.
Important warning from the data privacy expert. We should all be more mindful about what personal information we share online, especially on social media. It’s scary how easily that data can be misused by bad actors.
Timely warning from the data privacy expert. In our hyperconnected world, it’s crucial that we all become more vigilant about protecting our personal information, especially on social platforms. Casual sharing can have serious consequences.