UW Libraries Blog

March 29, 2024

Safeguarding Your Digital Footprint: A Workshop on Privacy in Online Platforms

UW Libraries

There is no doubt that for both research and teaching, online tools and platforms offer incredible utility and convenience, from collaborative research tools to engaging classroom platforms to innovative modes of sharing your work. While these platforms are important tools enabling us to work and learn, they also present a myriad of challenges. Because, beneath the surface, lies a complex web of data privacy concerns that demand our attention.

We click “accept” on Terms of Service agreements without a second thought, trusting that our data is in safe hands. But is it really? Blindly accepting terms and conditions is no longer a viable option. It’s time to empower ourselves with knowledge and critically evaluate tools we work with every day.

Did You Know?

1. FERPA Loopholes: Did you know that FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, may not protect your classwork if it’s not within a university-approved platform? So understanding the nuances of platform terms is crucial for safeguarding your academic integrity and privacy.

2. Youtube’s Subsidiary Rights: Ever read the fine print on Youtube’s Terms of Service? You might be surprised to learn that by uploading content, you grant Youtube the right to sublicense your work. What does this mean for your intellectual property rights?

3. Discord’s Data Sharing: Love using Discord for collaborating? Think again. Despite its popularity, Discord shares user content with law enforcement agencies. Your private conversations might not be as private as you think.

These eye-opening examples underscore the importance of understanding the context in which we operate online. We click “accept” on Terms of Service agreements without a second thought, trusting that our data is in safe hands. But is it really? Blindly accepting terms and conditions is no longer a viable option. It’s time to empower ourselves with knowledge and critically evaluate tools we work with every day.

Let’s Learn Together

Join us on May 7, 2024, from 10:30 am to noon for a workshop designed for students, instructors, and researchers alike. Whether you’re navigating the digital realm for academic purposes or personal use, this workshop is your guide to understanding and navigating the murky waters of how the tools we rely on really use our data. 

“Say goodbye to legal jargon-induced headaches…”

Our workshop will provide invaluable insights into deciphering the common language used in Terms of Service and Privacy Policies. Say goodbye to legal jargon-induced headaches as we introduce the “Terms of Service; Didn’t Read” framework— a fantastic tool for reviewing and parsing agreements.

But we won’t stop there. Prepare to put your newfound knowledge to use in our Terms of Service Hack-a-thon. Armed with your device or one from our laptop cart, you’ll examine and rate commonly used tools in research and coursework. Together, we’ll uncover which platforms prioritize privacy and which ones are more problematic.

Workshop Details:

  • Date: May 7, 2024
  • Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
  • Location: Hybrid workshop, available both on Zoom and in the Open Scholarship Commons.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take control of your online presence and advocate for your digital rights. Register now and embark on a journey towards informed decision-making in your online research and scholarship.

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