When we talk about “ digital footprint on the Internet ”, we are referring to the unique information and traces that a person leaves behind online as they use the Internet. This digital footprint can consist of personal data, online activities, social media interactions, Internet searches, browsing history, and more.
A Digital Fingerprint Report is understood to be a document that includes personal data that is publicly accessible to any human being on the Internet and that identifies a specific person.
The digital footprint on the Internet is considered a control measure protected by the employer's power of direction, so the employee's consent is not required for its processing .
Additionally, the implementation of the digital fingerprint as a control measure must comply with the principle of minimization, limiting itself to cases in which it is really necessary to guarantee the effectiveness of the control .
In addition, the employer must carry out the control in accordance with the principles of suitability, necessity and proportionality of the means used, respecting the dignity of the worker and guaranteeing the right to privacy and the protection of personal data. The Digital Footprint Report may be made up of various information, among which the following can be highlighted.
- Firstly, the images , which can be shared by that person or by third parties. In the latter case, it may happen that consent has not been given and that they are still published.
- Secondly, personal data , some as relevant as identification number, email, telephone number or address.
- Additionally, there are accounts linked to email and from which important and personal data can be obtained.
- On the other hand, the Digital Footprint Report must analyze the passwords that have been entered on the Internet and that may be subject to breach at some point. A security breach may occur in which said data is leaked, and the Digital Footprint Report is where information on this can be obtained.
It also delves into geolocation, to the extent that the location may be public and, therefore, pose a risk to the user on the Internet.
A simplified example of an Internet Digital Footprint Report would be as follows:
- Executive Summary:
- Purpose of the Report.
- Findings
- (…).
- Social Media Profiles:
- (…).
- Internet Search History:
- Safari
- Other engines (…).
- Activities developed online:
- If sales have been made.
- If you have participated in forums.
- (…).
- Online Security:
- Among others, configuration of privacy policies or review of password strength.
- (…).
- Recommendations:
- What can be improved and implementation of technology for continuous analysis of the Digital Footprint.
- (…).
- Conclusions:
- Refer to the most relevant aspects of the Digital Footprint on the Internet.
- (…).
However, we recommend that it be developed by an expert in the field , since the above is only and exclusively a basic outline of what is understood as an Internet Digital Footprint Report.
