Pros and Cons of Your Digital

Footprint

A digital footprint is the trail of

information we leave behind
while using digital technology.
We create these footprints by
using the Internet, social media,
credit cards, loyalty cards, GPS
systems, etc. Third parties (like
card issuers, advertisers, and law
enforcement) can get access to
this data in order to piece
together our identity and use it in
some way.
It’s easy to look at the negative
aspects of a digital footprint, but Pros:
there are in fact some positives as
well.  Fraud or legal issues can more easily be detected.
 Personalization (like suggested products or related
advertising) serves to add value to our use of the
Internet.
 Companies can more easily offer incentives based
on I interests and needs, sometimes resulting in
cost savings.

Cons:
 Personal data can be used to generate revenue
without our knowledge
 It can be annoying and distracting to be constantly
inundated with advertisements and information
 Purchase behaviour data may be used as a basis to
reduce credit limits or increase interest rates