In a future where digital IDs become mandatory for both online and offline activities, protecting your privacy will require a more nuanced approach.
Personally, I think this reality is not in a far off future. Digital IDs are a lot closer than we think.
While such a system might seem daunting, there are still effective strategies you can employ to safeguard your personal information and create a more controlled digital identity.
Here are three essential steps to consider:
1. Segment Your Digital Identities
Even with a digital ID in play, it’s still possible to segment your digital identity by using different aspects of your identity in various contexts.
For instance, you might use your digital ID for accessing essential services—such as healthcare, banking, or government-related activities—but maintain separate, pseudonymous accounts for more personal or recreational activities where possible.
The idea here is to limit the amount of data tied directly to your digital ID.
If you’re engaging in social media, forums, or online communities, try to create profiles that don’t directly link back to your digital ID.
This segmentation reduces the chances of creating a single, all-encompassing profile that authorities, corporations, or bad actors can exploit.
2. Control Information Sharing
Digital IDs will likely require you to provide a certain level of personal information. That said, you can still control what and how much information you share.
Be selective and strategic about the details you reveal, particularly when linking your digital ID to various services.
For example, avoid using your digital ID to log into every platform. Instead, consider using privacy tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), encryption, and privacy-focused browsers that limit the data collected about you.
This way, even if your digital ID is required, you’re not giving away more than what’s absolutely necessary.
Additionally, regularly audit the permissions and data-sharing settings on your accounts and devices. Do this and you ensure that you’re only sharing the minimum amount of data required for a particular service or interaction.
3. Diversify Your Behaviour Online
One way to prevent authorities or corporations from creating an accurate profile of you is by diversifying your behaviour online.
This involves engaging in a broad range of activities that don’t necessarily reflect your true interests or preferences.
As far as I'm concerned, this particular step is probably more important than most imagine.
For instance, you might deliberately browse topics, watch videos, or follow accounts that don’t align with your actual interests.
The goal here is to create a more complex and less predictable profile. This strategy makes it harder for tracking algorithms and data analytics tools to accurately determine your preferences or behaviour patterns.
However, keep in mind that this strategy requires consistent effort. You’ll need to be mindful of your online activities and regularly mix up your behaviour to maintain a diverse digital footprint.
This approach, when combined with segmented identities and controlled information sharing, can make it significantly harder for any entity to build an accurate and detailed profile of you.
Conclusion
As digital IDs become more integrated into our daily lives, the importance of privacy and digital security will only grow. And I firmly believe they're coming.
I also think they will represent more negatives than positives to individuals.
However, by segmenting your digital identities, controlling the information you share, and diversifying your online behaviour, you can take proactive steps to protect your privacy in a world where digital IDs are mandatory.
Manage your digital presence, and retain more control over how you’re perceived and profiled in the digital realm.
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