Final answer:
Ownership of data from external sources is primarily held by the entity that originally collected it, though usage agreements may allow for shared rights or specific terms of use. Privacy laws like COPPA in the U.S. protect personal data to some extent, and individuals are encouraged to protect their own data by understanding their privacy rights and policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
When data is imported from external sources, the ownership of that data can be complex and often depends on legal agreements, copyright laws, and data privacy policies. Usually, the entity that originally collects or generates the data maintains ownership rights. However, when data is used by others, for instance, when researchers utilize data from external sources, they must consider the ownership rights of the final product along with the research data. This might include acknowledging the source or adhering to specific usage agreements. In some cases, there could be a mutual agreement that allows for shared ownership or specific rights for usage.
Individuals often feel that they have little control over their data collected by companies and governments. Nonetheless, there are regulations like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the U.S. and more strict data privacy laws in European countries that strive to protect personal cyber data. To safeguard one's data, individuals are advised to become familiar with their privacy rights, read privacy policies carefully, and understand the settings offered by platforms they use.