Active learning ideas
Data privacy is one of the most pressing ethical issues of our time. This topic examines the history of data collection, contrasting early government censuses with the 'big data' harvested by modern tech giants. Students explore the tension between the benefits of data (like improved public health) and the risks to individual privacy and freedom.
Activity 01
In small groups, students are given the privacy policy of a popular app. They must find three things the app knows about them and one thing that surprises them.
How has data collection changed over the centuries?
Activity 02
Divide the class to debate: 'Is it worth giving up our privacy for the sake of national security or personalized convenience?' Students must use historical and modern examples.
What are the ethical concerns surrounding big data and surveillance?
Activity 03
Students list all the data they have 'generated' since waking up. They pair up to discuss who might own that data and what it could be used for.
How does legislation like the GDPR protect citizens' digital rights?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
If I have nothing to hide, I don't need to worry about privacy.
Students often think privacy is only for 'criminals.' Use peer discussion to explain that privacy is about autonomy and protection from manipulation, not just hiding secrets.
Deleting an app or a post means the data is gone forever.
Many believe in a 'delete' button for the internet. A collaborative investigation into how data is backed up and sold to third parties helps correct this belief.
Methods used in this brief
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