Data security experts warn about fun online personality tests
Data security specialists on Latvian Radio have warned the public to think twice before taking popular entertaining online tests, such as those predicting what a person will look like in 20 years. Such free tools often come at the cost of users' personal data.
On the Latvian Radio programme "Kā labāk dzīvot" (How to Live Better), data security specialists reminded listeners that whenever personal data is requested online, people should pause and consider who is asking for it, why, and whether it is worth sharing.
The experts pointed out that various entertaining online tests regularly go viral, including ones that promise to show users what they will look like in 20 years. Such trends often attract large numbers of people who upload photos or share other personal information, expecting nothing in return besides entertainment.
Free entertainment paid for with data
The specialists stressed a simple principle: nobody offers entertainment online for free. If a service or test is provided without direct payment, it means the user is effectively paying with their personal data. This information can then be used for various purposes beyond the user's control or even awareness.
The programme's experts urged the public to be more cautious and to consider who is receiving their data and for what purpose before uploading photos or other personal information to various platforms and applications.
