With the rise of online scams, data breaches, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven fraud, more people are rethinking how much personal information they share online. For some, the decision to scale back their digital presence is a matter of security, while for others, it’s about maintaining personal and professional boundaries.
A Personal Safety Measure
Anita Smith (name changed) has always been careful about her online presence, but her concerns escalated after leaving an abusive relationship. Following police intervention, she not only left the UK but also took steps to erase much of her digital footprint.
“I removed as much as I could, including location-based posts and several Instagram accounts,” she said.
While she maintains a LinkedIn profile, she avoids using her full name and has deleted location-specific details. She also keeps a private Facebook account but reviews it annually, removing old photos and adjusting privacy settings.
Beyond personal safety, Smith is also cautious about AI-driven data collection. “I follow AI trends and know that images are used to train AI models without ethical guidelines. That’s one of the reasons I’ll never post my child’s pictures online,” she added.
Growing Privacy Awareness
A recent Statista report highlights increasing digital privacy concerns. It found that 39% of respondents worry about how companies use their data, and 26% use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.
Vytautas Kaziukonis, CEO of cybersecurity company Surfshark, warns that many underestimate the risks of oversharing online.
“What seems like harmless information now could become problematic years later, depending on changes in laws or the political climate,” he said.
He also noted that AI-driven scams are becoming more advanced, with criminals using stolen data to impersonate people convincingly. “AI is now able to mimic voices and images, and when combined with personal details shared online, it’s a dangerous mix,” he explained.
Steps to Minimize Your Digital Footprint
Experts suggest several ways to reduce exposure online:
- Limit personal details: Avoid sharing home addresses, birthdays, and sensitive information in videos or online purchases.
- Use separate email addresses: Create a different email for online accounts to minimize spam and potential data leaks.
- Delete cookies and trackers: Privacy-focused browsers and cookie blockers help limit online tracking.
- Check data brokers: Many companies collect and sell personal information, but under data protection laws, users can request deletion of their data.
- Use a VPN: This encrypts browsing activity, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Gus Hosein, director of Privacy International, emphasizes that while individuals can take action, stronger regulations are necessary. “The real solution is to push governments to enforce strict data privacy laws,” he said.
The Risks of Oversharing
For some, limiting online exposure is about professional reputation.
Saam Collingwood, from Stratford-upon-Avon, recalls an incident where her personal Facebook account was included in a work email. “A client saw my night-out photos, and my employer wasn’t happy,” she said.
She later faced online harassment after posting a dance video on YouTube. Since then, she has significantly cut back on social media activity.
“I don’t like people tagging me in posts, especially when I’m away from home,” she said, adding that she has also upgraded her online security with Norton antivirus.
Balancing Privacy and Connectivity
Despite the benefits of reducing an online presence, some admit missing the social connections that platforms provide.
“I miss reconnecting with old friends on Facebook,” said Smith.
However, Kaziukonis argues that privacy should not be an afterthought. “People say they have nothing to hide, but would they be comfortable sharing every email they’ve sent?”
As online threats evolve, privacy experts say taking proactive steps to protect personal data is no longer optional—but essential.
