Today’s digital environment has the ability to track online activity and build an intricate web of personal data particular to each individual. 

A statement from the GRA follows below:

This web of information can include  any data that is intentionally or unintentionally shared online through social media  posts or likes, blogging profiles and online forms or, via data collected by third parties  through cookies and tracking scripts. Data may also be collected through the sharing  of photos and sending of emails; engaging in online debates and posting comments;  internet browsing history; stored passwords; clicking on ads; subscriptions to  newsletters; online purchases and reviews; the use of fitness trackers etc.  

To this end, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (the “GRA”), as the Information  Commissioner, has today published a report that relates to the results of a survey,  titled ‘Your Digital Footprint’ carried out in schools in Gibraltar between October and  April of the 2023/24 academic year (the “Survey”). The Survey specifically focused  on the students’ awareness and understanding of their digital footprints, affording  them an opportunity to properly consider their digital presence and the impact of their  online interactions.  

The Survey forms part of an ongoing awareness-raising initiative, namely the “Control  Your Privacy” campaign1, organised by the GRA in-cooperation with HM Government  of Gibraltar’s Department of Education. This year, a total of 1332 students between  the ages of 9 and 14 years completed the Survey.  

Having thoroughly considered the matter, the GRA remains steadfast in that  broadening the scope for privacy awareness is imperative, in particular to promote the  secure and appropriate use of social networking sites amongst the younger students.  The Information Commissioner recognises that completely erasing a digital footprint  may be difficult/impossible, however, there are ways for individuals to better take  control over their digital presence and reap the benefits of online sources without  compromising privacy and security (e.g., limiting the personal data disclosed,  

1The campaign has various aims, including examining the relationship between the use of digital  technology and privacy-related matters; identifying any key changes or behavioural trends in privacy  practices amongst students; and educating the younger generations as to the importance of protecting  their privacy and how to go about doing so, more so in an online environment.  

The Information Commissioner will continue to monitor students’ habits in future  initiatives and, where appropriate, may extend these initiatives to the wider population  to further the understanding of data protection and privacy-related matters in today’s  ever-increasing online environment.