To create awareness about the importance of respecting privacy, safeguarding data, and enabling trust in the virtual sphere, Rakuten Viber joined the rest of the world in celebrating Data Privacy Day on January 28.
This year, the leading virtual communications platform emphasized another aspect that data privacy impacts young learners.
The shift to online learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic has ignited privacy concerns for students with e-learning becoming more accessible than ever, digital learners continue to remain vulnerable to online privacy risks, reads a press release.
These platforms can potentially lack children’s privacy standards and collect data from students as they would from an adult consumer, which can then be used for commercial and unlawful purposes.
Data and profiles collected can be used for behavioural or targeted advertising, making them vulnerable to threats like identity theft, reputational damage, mental health issues, and more.
“With more students getting online for their daily learning and even communication with their teachers, data privacy is paramount to both the students and their parents. And Viber’s commitment to championing privacy and our values in the education ecosystem will be a key focus for us,” says David Tse, Rakuten Viber senior director for APAC.
“There needs to be some kind of hindsight from this experience, a review of the current processes and rising concerns, and a way to move forward that puts fewer risks on young online learners. We see how due diligence plays a critical part in choosing online learning tools, from communication platforms to educational materials,” adds Tse.
It's interesting that in countries like Bangladesh, where public and private efforts like 5G network infrastructure creation are boosting digital penetration, many people still give little thought to data privacy and how their personal information can be compromised.
Academic institutions and teachers have a great opportunity to cooperate with parents or guardians to provide an accessible online space where students may grow, learn, and thrive without risking their data privacy and security.