Final answer:
To better protect private data, individuals should understand their privacy rights, read privacy policies, and share personal information cautiously. Laws like COPPA in the U.S. and GDPR in Europe offer legal protections, while businesses and governments strive to secure data amidst challenges balancing privacy and national security.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protecting Private Data
To protect members of the public from the misuse of their private data, several strategies can be employed. Individuals should become familiar with their privacy rights and read privacy policies carefully before accepting them. Giving out personal information should only be done when necessary and with businesses or entities that have clear data protection policies in place.
Cyber data issues with privacy are significant as state and federal laws in the United States, like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), govern the electronic storage of personal data. European countries have robust data privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which offers extensive protections to individuals.
Organizations also play a vital role in protecting data. There have been instances, like the breaches at companies such as Target and JP Morgan, where millions were exposed to identity theft risks. Businesses and governments are thereby increasingly engaging in balancing the need to protect personal, financial, and medical information while ensuring the security of their operations and national security secrets.
There is a tension between the protection of individual privacy and the need for government protection or regulation in the context of national security and community safety. Privacy in areas where security issues arise is a persistent concern, emphasized by the growing risks associated with our increasing online presence and activities.