Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
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ZDNET key takeaways
Your online footprint is bigger than you think.
Personal data can resurface long after you delete it.
True digital privacy takes constant attention.
Keeping a tight lid on the online data connected to you, your life, and your habits is becoming increasingly important -- and difficult.
A PC, mobile device, or even a smartwatch with an internet connection allows us to stay connected with friends and family, work, stay entertained, monitor our health and habits, and handle our finances. But benefits aside, how you represent yourself, and how others see you, on social media and other online platforms can have a real impact on your career prospects, reputation, and relationships.
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A misjudged tweet from years ago, an inappropriate Facebook photo tied to your name, an embarrassing video, or a controversial TikTok can have real-world consequences. That's not all: Marketers constantly invade your privacy by scraping publicly available information on you, your public profiles, and your search history for targeted marketing.
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