Cookies are small files that are sent to your device when you visit a website. They are used to track your browsing activity, as well as information that you may have entered, such as your name, and interests.
In order to protect your privacy, you may wish to view the cookies that are stored on your browser or control which sites you accept cookies from.
Everytime we access the internet via a web browser (for example; Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or FireFox), the websites we visit are all stored on a web browser. Browsing history is a list of web pages, and associated data, that is stored on a web browser.
Users have the option to edit or clear browser data. This can be used to delete information including web pages that have been visited, download history, passwords, and cookies.
Location services on mobile devices identify your location, and are used by the operating system on the device, and by other third-party apps installed on it.
They are fundamental to the operation of certain apps, for example a mapping application would need to know your location in order to give you directions somewhere, but other apps don’t necessarily need to track your location in order to function.
Targeted ads are advertisements that are shown to you based on your online activity. For example, if you buy a pair of trainers advertisers may infer that you are a sports fan and you may be served related ads.
Although you can’t completely block online advertising, it is possible to adjust your privacy settings so that you can opt out of seeing targetted or personalised ads.
Third-party apps are applications created by developers or companies that aren’t the manufacturer of your device. When you install a third-party app you may receive a request to access information such as your location, contacts, camera or calendar.
Some apps may require access to specific data in order to function properly, but others may not. Even if you grant this permission, you can manage or change these permissions in the main Settings of your device.
The Data Protection Commission has published an advice note ‘What you should be aware of online? Some common online risks’, which outlines common online risks to be aware of, what risk it poses to you online, and steps you can take to protect your personal data.
It includes information and advice around issues such as tracking or profiling in order to access apps and services, and security concerns including phishing, password reuse, unsecured login forms, fake sites, and security questions.
Worried about something you have seen online or concerned about your child? Childline and the National Parents Council Primary offer free advice and support service.
Childline is a support service for young people up to the age of 18.There is a 24hr telephone, online and mobile phone texting service.
The National Parents Council Primary enables and empowers parents to be effective partners in their children’s education.
Sometimes you might unwittingly stumble across illegal online content like child abuse imagery. Always remember: you can report it and get it removed using Hotline.ie.
Hotline.ie exists to combat the distribution and proliferation of illegal content, like child sexual
abuse content, in conjunction with police and Internet Industry