# Privacy

The ability to manage access to information about oneself and one's activities.

Canonical page: https://givegigs.com/wiki/privacy
Last updated: 2026-11-09T19:00:06.763Z
Parent topic: [information-and-digital-life](https://givegigs.com/wiki/information-and-digital-life)

## Contents
- [Overview](#wiki-section-overview-1)
- [Questions for a data practice](#wiki-section-questions-2)
- [Context and limits](#wiki-section-context-3)

<a id="wiki-section-overview-1"></a>
## Overview

Privacy concerns how information about people and their activities is collected, inferred, used, shared, and retained. It includes choices and protections across a whole information lifecycle, not only secrecy. A detail that seems harmless alone can become revealing when combined with other data.

Explore related topics:
- [data-governance](https://givegigs.com/wiki/data-governance)
- [cybersecurity](https://givegigs.com/wiki/cybersecurity)
- [encryption](https://givegigs.com/wiki/encryption)

<a id="wiki-section-questions-2"></a>
## Questions for a data practice

Before collecting information, ask what purpose it serves, whether a less sensitive alternative works, who can access it, how long it is needed, and how a person can correct or remove it. Explain secondary uses and meaningful risks in plain language. Restrict access, secure stored and transmitted data, and set a deletion schedule.

<a id="wiki-section-context-3"></a>
## Context and limits

Privacy expectations and legal rights vary across places, relationships, and kinds of data. De-identification can reduce risk but may not prevent re-identification when records are linked. Good privacy practice therefore combines technical safeguards, accountable governance, and respect for people affected by a system.

## Sources

- [OECD Privacy Guidelines](https://www.oecd.org/sti/ieconomy/privacy-guidelines.htm)

---
This article is collaboratively maintained. Check the canonical page and cited sources for the latest context.