This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
With the internet deeply ingrained in our daily lives, it's crucial to be aware of the worst-case scenarios that can occur when we're unprepared. In the first half of 2019, Facebook reported a spike in government requests for user data, with the Kenyan government making five demands, four of which bypassed proper legal channels.
According to Facebook's transparency report, the company complies with legal requests for user data, carefully reviewing each request for legal sufficiency. However, the company may reject or require greater specificity on requests that appear overly broad or vague.
Facebook's transparency report highlights the global trend of governments snooping on users' data. The United States made 50,714 user data requests of 82,461 users/accounts in the half-year period, while India was second with 22,684 requests for user data of 33,324 users/accounts.
As governments and hackers increasingly snoop on our online activities, it's essential to take simple precautions to preserve your privacy. Here are some steps you can take:
- Disable cloud storage and only back up sensitive data with strong passwords.
- Use strong passwords, ideally with a length of 15 characters or more.
- Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
- Use private search engines that don't personalize search results.
- Use HTTPS connections and watch out for phishing attempts.
- Update your devices regularly to fix vulnerabilities.
- Be mindful of what you share on social media and avoid posting sensitive information.
By taking these simple precautions, you can significantly enhance your online privacy and security.
