Click Carefully: Why Your DigitalFootprint Could Haunt Or Help You.

Abstract.

With the rising risks associated with digital footprints, many individuals fall victim to cybercrimes due to poor online practices. This article addresses this concern by examining what digital footprints are, their benefits, the dangers of mismanagement, and strategies for control. It offers well-researched insights and actionable recommendations to help individuals stay safe online without avoiding the digital space entirely. Rather than shy away from the internet, readers are encouraged to engage wisely and protect their digital presence.

Instead of waiting to be a victim, try to be a saviour both for yourself and others. Don’t let hackers or online predators benefit from your carelessness. Your online activities should serve you, not harm you. The internet builds you, exposes you to opportunities, and connects you to the world. You shouldn’t suffer from the same growth it offers. This article aims to help you embrace the internet safely and with informed responsibility.

Introduction.

With every site she visits, a trace is left behind, one that could either lead others to her, implicate her, or even save her. These traces are called Digital Footprints.

What is Digital Footprints?

Digital footprints refer to the trails of activities we leave behind in our online spaces, the paths created by every site we click on and every action we take online.

^[1]A digital footprint can also be defined as a record of your online activity. The websites you visit, the music you stream, the items you buy, your Instagram posts, TikTok videos, likes etc, all of it is captured and leaves a trail of your online activity. Digital footprints often fall into one of two categories, “active” and “passive”, and are collected through websites, apps and devices.

Active digital footprints;

An “active” digital footprint often refers to the information you choose to share online. This includes your social media posts, photos, comments and likes, online reviews and online data capture forms.

Passive digital footprints;

A “passive” digital footprint is much more subtle, and data is often collected without you knowing. This is everything from your internet history and website cookies to metadata and location data.

Importance of Digital Footprints.

• Build your brand: A digital footprint reflects who you are online, showcasing your skills, values, and professionalism. It can also help you attract different opportunities like jobs, sponsorships, etc.
• Most times, your online presence gives employers or collaborators the impression that you can be trusted and that every task given to you is secure.
• A strong digital footprint improves visibility.
• An active online presence helps you connect with different people and grow your network.

This article tries to shed light on the advantages, disadvantages, and consequences of Digital Footprint. It addresses the topic of whether my online presence is a barrier or a blessing.

How Our Online Activities Affect Us.

Our online activities can have both positive and negative effects.

^[2]Positive Impacts:

• Time Saving Convenience: The internet can help with simplifying your everyday student activities like turning in assignments, planning your study timetable, participating in online classes, searching for cases online etc.
• Boosts communication and collaboration: Online tools like video conferencing, messaging apps, and discussion forums can help you collaborate on group projects and keep you connected with your family and friends.
• Learning beyond the classroom: Students can now explore subjects beyond their syllabus or revise the topics they find tough by using online tutorials through diverse learning platforms like YouTubes, Lawyers Guide, Promova, Duolingo, etc.
• Opens global opportunities: Geographical boundaries are no longer an excuse. We can now use websites like LinkedIn to connect with others, professionals, mentors, etc. from anywhere in the world. You can also expand your network with global counterparts, explore internship opportunities, and even secure jobs beyond your immediate environment.

Negative Impacts:

• Cybersecurity Threats: One becomes more vulnerable to cyber threats when their online presence is mismanaged. For example, a single post can attract hate speech or cyberbullying. The internet is filled with diverse individuals, and some comments can be deeply insulting or disrespectful. While such reactions can’t always be avoided, they can have damaging effects on a person’s self-esteem.
• Distraction: Spending excessive time online often leads to distraction from important tasks. Many people find themselves glued to their phones, endlessly scrolling through the internet and losing track of time, which affects productivity and focus.
• Dependency and Reduced Critical Thinking: As technology evolves, tools like AI have made it easier to perform tasks that once required effort. While helpful, overreliance on these tools can reduce our ability to think critically or solve problems independently. We become so dependent that basic tasks feel difficult without them.
• Exposure to Misinformation: Not all information found online is accurate or reliable. Failing to verify sources can lead to being misinformed or misled.

Consequences of Not Being Careful with Your Digital Footprint

Being careless with your digital footprint can cause serious damage to your life, reputation, and even your family. A few of these consequences include:

• ^[3]Identity theft: Your digital footprint contains personal information that scammers can use to impersonate you, hack your accounts, or target you and your family with scams.
• Account hacking: Logging into too many websites without caution gives hackers opportunities to gain access. Phishing attacks can also trick you into revealing login credentials.
• Job denial: What you post online now could cost you your dream job. For example, joking about being bad at time management may backfire if you’re applying for a role that requires strong time management skills. Employers often check online presence to form opinions.
• College rejection: Many young people are unaware of how their online activity could affect their academic future. Some universities check applicants’ online presence and may deny admission based on negative content.
• Increased vulnerability to fraud: Each account you create involves personal data. Even if you’re cautious, a data breach from one app could expose your information to cybercriminals.
• Reputation damage: Random or thoughtless posts can resurface years later. If you wouldn’t be proud of a post in the future, it’s better not to share it at all. You may grow, but your online content stays.
• Risk to children: Children sharing personal information online can become targets for cyberbullying, hate speech, or online predators. Parents should monitor and guide their children’s digital activities to protect them.

Legal Framework Governing Digital Footprint.

• The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended): ^[4]Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to privacy for Nigerian citizens. It specifically protects the privacy of individuals, including their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraphic communications. This provision also extends to the protection of individuals’ online activities, whether active or passive, ensuring that digital footprints are safeguarded against unlawful intrusion.
• ^[5]Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ect.) Act, 2015: This Act provides an effective, unified and comprehensive legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution and punishment of cybercrimes in Nigeria. It criminalises various types of cybercrimes, like phishing, Cyber fraud, unlawfully acquiring a password, cyber extortion, illegally accessing a computer system, cyber stalking, online harassment etc. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 protects digital footprints by creating a legal framework that criminalises various offences, establishes penalties for violations, promotes cyber security and safeguards individuals’ data in the digital space.

^[6]•Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023: The Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 aims to safeguard the rights of data subjects by regulating the processing of personal data and ensuring privacy. It establishes mechanisms for recourse and remedies in cases of data breaches. The Act also promotes best practices in data processing to enhance the security and confidentiality of personal information. As the most recent and comprehensive legislation on data protection in Nigeria, it provides a robust framework for managing digital footprints responsibly.

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), 2016 (European Union):

^[7]The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons, particularly their right to the protection of personal data. ⁸It sets strict requirements for data handling, security, and transparency, establishing a global standard for privacy compliance. As an European Union (EU) law, it governs how personal data of EU citizens is collected and processed. This includes obtaining clear consent, limiting data use to specified purposes, and giving individuals control over their personal information. It also enforces key principles such as lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, and storage limitation.

Other laws are; ⁹The Data Protection Act which covers data held electronically and in hard copy, regardless of where data is held, The Computer Misuse Act (CMA) 1990, Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, 2007 (by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC), among others.

Impact on Digital Visibility.

Digital visibility is the measure of a brand’s presence and discoverability online. It can be referred to as a brand’s digital footprint on the world wide web.

  ¹⁰Digital visibility is a means by which you connect with people. As a business owner, you often get your clients via the internet. As a law student or lawyer, most times, you get clients through the connections you make online like social media apps such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Tiktok etc. Also it opens you to opportunities. Most opportunities are gotten online, including ones you never imagined.

Digital footprint has a good impact on digital visibility, it builds you, exposes you to great adventures and opportunities. It leads you to connect with great people who can make your future bright. However if it’s not managed or limited, it can expose you to the dangers of the online space.

 ^[8]Recommendations

Does this mean we should completely withdraw from the internet because of how overwhelming it can be? Not at all. Instead of shutting yourself out and missing great opportunities, learn to be intentional and cautious about your online activities.

Below are some practical recommendations to help you stay safe and enjoy the benefits of your digital footprint:¹¹

• Awareness: One of the first steps is being aware of the risks and take precautions. If we treat ourselves and others with respect online, we reduce the chances of cyberbullying, hate speech, and digital regret.
• Use strong passwords: Your online security matters. Strong, unique passwords protect your data and accounts from breaches and unauthorised access.
• Limit oversharing: Not everything needs to be posted. The internet spreads faster than you think. Even what you believe is private might become public, so always be cautious.
• Think before you post: The internet never forgets. Something you post today could resurface years later. Always ask yourself, “Will I be proud of this later?”
• Be respectful and cautious: Online interactions matter. That person you argue with today could be someone important tomorrow. Think beyond the present.
• Avoid suspicious websites. Not all links are safe, and not all sites are legitimate. Hackers often use enticing websites, such as free gift offers, to hack accounts and scam people. Be cautious when clicking on links, and only visit sites when necessary.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Many apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, offer two-step verification as an added layer of security. Enable this feature to provide double protection for your account. Verify the security options available on each app to ensure your data and account are safe.
• Limit app permissions and cookies: Be cautious about the permissions you grant to apps. Only allow necessary permissions, and be wary of apps requesting sensitive information like passwords or personal data that’s not relevant to their functionality. Don’t hesitate to deny access if it’s not justified.
• Avoid spam calls: Legitimate apps and organizations will never ask for sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or codes over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, ignore it, block the number, and report it. Stay vigilant and protect your personal info.
• Avoid linking multiple accounts (like signing in with Facebook or Google): Linking multiple accounts means you’re granting third-party apps access to more information about your online activity and giving them unnecessary access.
• Read app privacy policies before agreeing: Don’t just click ‘I agree’ without understanding what you’re consenting to. Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat meaning ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse. Take the time to read and know what you’re agreeing to.

Other helpful tips include:

– Regularly check your privacy settings.

– Turn off location tracking.

– Delete or hide old accounts.

Conclusion.

So before you post that picture or video, or click that link, pause. Ask yourself: What impact will this have on me? Am I leaving a footprint I’ll be proud of? Many people click on links they don’t understand, visit questionable sites, or post content without considering the consequences. If what you’re about to do won’t improve your digital visibility positively, it’s better to avoid it. 

In the digital space, you never know who’s watching or keeping track of the traces you leave. Be intentional. Not every link needs to be clicked. Not every thought needs to be posted. Take charge of your digital life. 

Your online presence can be a blessing, but if mismanaged, it can become a curse. A digital footprint isn’t a bad thing it can work for you, but only if you manage it wisely.

Bibliography.

1. University of Law, ‘What Is a Digital Footprint?’ (The University of Law, 19 October 2023) <https://www.law.ac.uk/resources/blog/what-is-a-digital-footprint/> accessed 14 October 2025.
2. KAHE,‘Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Use: What Every Student Should Know’ (KAHE) <https://kahedu.edu.in/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-internet-use-what-every-student-should-know/> accessed 14 October 2025.
3. Aura, ‘What Are the Consequences of a Digital Footprint?’ (Aura) <https://www.aura.com/learn/what-are-the-consequences-of-a-digital-footprint> accessed 16 October 2025.
4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, s 37.
5. Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ect.) Act, 2015
6. Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
7. GDPR-info.eu, ‘Article 1 GDPR – Subject-Matter and Objectives’ (GDPR-info.eu, 16 October 2025) <https://gdpr-info.eu/art-1-gdpr/> accessed 16 October 2025.
8. Ketch, ‘General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)’ (Ketch, 2024) <https://www.ketch.com/regulatory-compliance/general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr> accessed 16 October 2025.
9. Information Commissioner’s Office, ‘Legal Framework: Explaining Decisions Made with Artificial Intelligence’ (ICO, updated 2023) <https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/artificial-intelligence/explaining-decisions-made-with-artificial-intelligence/part-1-the-basics-of-explaining-ai/legal-framework/> accessed 15 October 2025.
10. First Digital Studio, ‘Digital Visibility’ (First Digital Studio) <https://www.firstdigitalstudio.com/digital-visibility> accessed 15 October 2025.
11. The University of Law, ‘What is a Digital Footprint?’ (The University of Law, 15 July 2022) <https://www.law.ac.uk/resources/blog/what-is-a-digital-footprint/> accessed 15 October 2025.

^[1]1. University of Law, ‘What Is a Digital Footprint?’ (The University of Law, 19 October 2023) <https://www.law.ac.uk/resources/blog/what-is-a-digital-footprint/> accessed 14 October 2025.

^[2]2. KAHE,‘Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Use: What Every Student Should Know’ (KAHE) <https://kahedu.edu.in/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-internet-use-what-every-student-should-know/> accessed 14 October 2025.

^[3]3. Aura, ‘What Are the Consequences of a Digital Footprint?’ (Aura) <https://www.aura.com/learn/what-are-the-consequences-of-a-digital-footprint> accessed 16 October 2025.

^[4]4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, s 37.

^[5]5. Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ect.) Act, 2015

Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

^[6]

 ^[7]GDPR-info.eu, ‘Article 1 GDPR – Subject-Matter and Objectives’ (GDPR-info.eu, 16 October 2025) <https://gdpr-info.eu/art-1-gdpr/> accessed 16 October 2025.

Ketch, ‘General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)’ (Ketch, 2024) <https://www.ketch.com/regulatory-compliance/general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr> accessed 16 October 2025.

Information Commissioner’s Office, ‘Legal Framework: Explaining Decisions Made with Artificial Intelligence’ (ICO, updated 2023) <https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/artificial-intelligence/explaining-decisions-made-with-artificial-intelligence/part-1-the-basics-of-explaining-ai/legal-framework/> accessed 15 October 2025.

First Digital Studio, ‘Digital Visibility’ (First Digital Studio) <https://www.firstdigitalstudio.com/digital-visibility> accessed 15 October 2025.

^[8]11. The University of Law, ‘What is a Digital Footprint?’ (The University of Law, 15 July 2022) <https://www.law.ac.uk/resources/blog/what-is-a-digital-footprint/> accessed 15 October 2025.