Did you know that the rights you have in the real world also apply online? Even in the digital world, you’ve got rights that help keep you safe and in control. We will give you a quick rundown of some digital rights you might not know about. Rights that matter when you’re scrolling through TikTok, posting on Instagram, or just browsing the web
Here are some important ones:
1. Privacy
You’ve got the right to keep your personal stuff private online. Under something called GDPR you can find out what information companies collect about you, and you can ask them to delete it if you want.
You can also correct anything they get wrong. If you’re curious about what data companies have on you, head to ICO’s website to learn more.
2. Online Safety
Everyone should feel safe online, and you’ve got the right to not be bullied or harassed. If someone’s giving you a hard time, most platforms like Instagram or Snapchat have ways to report the behaviour. You can block people too.
If things are getting serious, you can find advice and report issues at CEOP (they’re the online safety police, and are there to help). If anyone or anything makes you feel unsafe don’t keep it to yourself.
3. Freedom of Expression
Feel like saying something online? You can! You’ve got the right to express your thoughts and opinions. But just like in real life, that freedom comes with limits, no hate speech or harming others. Keep it respectful.
Visit UNESCO’s website for more information on freedom of expression.
4. Access to Information
Ever needed to find something out and wondered, “Is this even right?” You’ve got the right to access trustworthy information, and it’s important to know what’s fact and what’s fake. If you’re looking for reliable information (and not some conspiracy theory or something a person has made up to suit themselves), places like BBC Bitesize can be a good place along with your very own favourite Young Scot website that you are reading now.
5. Digital Skills
Think you’re a pro at navigating the web? Well, there’s always something new to learn. You have the right to understand how the internet works, how to stay safe, and how to use it in ways that help you, not hurt you.
Young Scot has some great advice about digital skills (especially the DigiKnow campaign) and learning opportunities.
6. Informed Consent
Ever clicked ‘I agree’ on something without reading it? (We’ve all been there and know that can be a lot of text to get through) You have the right to know what you’re agreeing to before hitting that button. Platforms need to explain in simple terms what they’ll do with your data, and you don’t have to agree if you’re not comfortable with it.
If you want to dive deeper into your rights about consent and data, check out Your Data Matters.
7. Intellectual Property
Created something original, artwork, a meme or maybe a song? That’s your intellectual property, and you’ve got the right to keep it safe from people stealing it online. The same goes for you respecting others’ stuff – don’t steal their work either! It’s always best to check in with a person if you can use and credit their work.
Learn more about protecting your own creations at Copyright User.
So that’s a quick guide to just some of your digital rights. Whether it’s privacy, safety, or just having your voice heard, your rights are there to help you enjoy the digital world responsibly.
Other places to check out:
- UNCRC Rights Explained (your UNCRC rights are enshrined in law in Scotland!)
- Young Scot DigiKnow
This article comes from Renfrewshire Council’s Youth Services and we are part of the DigiRen network which is all about looking at ways to make Renfrewshire more digitally inclusive for everyone. Find out about the latest initiative DigiZones. It’s also Youth Work Week! A celebration of how youth work helps to support you with a special focus on how you develop resilience and build essential skills for life (including in the digital world).
We are launching an article every day Monday-Friday during DigiKnowVember and Youth Work Week.