In the UK Essential Digital Skills Framework, being safe and legal online refers to the ability to protect yourself, your data, and your devices while using digital technologies, as well as understanding and complying with legal and ethical guidelines. This includes skills such as:
- Protecting personal information: Knowing how to keep personal data secure by using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and being cautious about sharing sensitive information online.
- Recognising online scams and phishing: Being able to identify and avoid fraudulent emails, messages, websites, or other attempts to steal your personal or financial information.
- Managing privacy settings: Understanding and adjusting privacy settings on social media, websites, and other online platforms to control who can see your information.
- Using antivirus software: Keeping your devices secure by installing and regularly updating antivirus software to protect against malware, viruses, and other threats.
- Understanding digital rights: Knowing about copyright laws and respecting intellectual property, including the legal use of digital content like images, music, videos, and software.
- Avoiding harmful content: Recognising and avoiding inappropriate, offensive, or illegal content online, and knowing how to report it when necessary.
- Complying with data protection laws: Understanding laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that govern how personal data is collected, stored, and used.
