All of the information you send and receive through the internet is saved somewhere. That goes for any personal details you share with websites and apps, too.

For example, when you use apps, like Facebook or YouTube, that give you free content, your personal information is used to help the company decide what ads to show you and what information will be relevant to you. This paid advertising keeps the apps free for users – like yourself.

Most of the time, internet services go through great lengths to keep your personal information safe. They call this “data security”. Unfortunately though, it doesn’t always work. That means there is always a risk of that information becoming accessible to other people, who you may not want to see it.

Protecting your privacy and staying safe while you’re online is all about using trusted sources as much as possible and staying alert.

Here are some simple ways you can protect your privacy:

• Keep your personal information private.
• Never give your personal information to someone you just met online. This includes your birthday, mobile money/ bank account information, credit card number, or home address.
• Never meet someone you met online without telling someone where you’re meeting, how long you’ll be there, and how they can contact you during that time. Make sure you meet in a well-lit public place. Bring a friend if possible.
• Use a complex password to protect any accounts you make. Never make your password “password” or “1234.” You’ll find more about passwords in the next section.