eSafety Revision Notes

Data protection laws exist to safeguard individuals' personal and sensitive information from misuse, unauthorized access, or improper disclosure. These laws ensure that organisations and individuals handle data responsibly, respecting privacy and preventing harm such as identity theft, discrimination, or emotional distress.

Without such laws, personal information could be exploited, leading to financial loss or damage to reputation. For example, if a person's medical records were leaked, it could affect their employment or insurance.

• Protect individuals’ privacy and personal information.
• Prevent misuse and unauthorized access to data.
• Ensure organisations handle data responsibly.
• Reduce risks like identity theft and discrimination.

Personal data refers to any information that can identify an individual directly or indirectly. Common examples include names, home addresses, dates of birth, and photographs such as school photos.

Sensitive data is a subset of personal data that requires extra protection due to its nature. This includes medical records, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, and biometric data.

Because sensitive data can cause greater harm if disclosed, it must be kept especially confidential and secure.

• Personal data: names, addresses, birth dates, photos.
• Sensitive data: medical records, ethnicity, beliefs.
• Sensitive data needs higher protection due to potential harm.
• Confidentiality prevents misuse and protects privacy.

Keeping personal and sensitive data confidential means only authorised people can access it. Security measures prevent accidental or deliberate leaks, hacking, or theft.

For example, a school must protect students’ records to avoid exposing their health conditions or home addresses to strangers.

Failure to secure data can lead to legal penalties for organisations and serious consequences for individuals, such as harassment or fraud.

• Confidentiality limits data access to authorised users.
• Security measures prevent data breaches and leaks.
• Protecting data avoids legal and personal harm.
• Example: securing student records to protect privacy.

eSafety means using digital technologies like the internet, email, social media, and online games in ways that protect users from harm.

Key principles include using trusted websites recommended by educators to avoid malicious content, and selecting age-appropriate search engines that filter unsuitable material.

Users should be cautious with emails from unknown senders to prevent phishing or malware attacks. For instance, never open attachments or click links in suspicious emails.

• Use trusted websites recommended by educators.
• Choose age-appropriate search engines.
• Be cautious with emails from unknown senders.
• Avoid opening suspicious attachments or links.

Avoid sharing personal data or images via email or online platforms, as these can be intercepted or misused.

Learn how to block and report users on social media who behave inappropriately or harass others.

Never arrange to meet online contacts in person, as this can be dangerous without proper safeguards and adult supervision, especially for young users. For example, a child should never agree to meet a stranger they met in a game or chat room without parental consent and presence.

• Do not share personal data or images online.
• Block and report inappropriate users on social media.
• Avoid meeting online contacts in person without supervision.
• Respect others’ privacy and personal data.
• Protect personal and financial information during online gaming.