UPV Libertas kicks off webinar on digital privacy and netiquette

As the world faces a global pandemic, people have been forced to transition into the ‘new normal’ set-up where media and technology become essential tools.

With this in mind, UPV Libertas, an organization composed of Communication and Media Studies students in the University of the Philippines Visayas, organized a webinar series that tackles a wide scope of relevant issues in the digital landscape.

The first webinar kicked off on Saturday, March 20, with the title, “YES MEANS YES: A Webinar on Digital Privacy and Social Media Etiquette.”

Samantha Cruz, a security software engineer and Public Information Officer of the Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU), discussed data privacy rights, the importance of being wary of the personal data we share and consume online, and the dangers of unprotected data.

“Sometimes the most secure way online isn’t the easiest way,” Cruz said. She emphasized the importance of thinking things through and analyzing content before sharing anything, especially personal data.

On the other hand, Etienne Chantal Codina known as Etienne Chantal on social media talked about being a responsible user of social media. Codina is a content creator with more than 40,000 followers on Instagram and is considered as one of the pioneering lifestyle bloggers.

Codina reiterated that being on social media means participating in a “social setting” where everyone has the privilege or opportunity to interact with each other. However, she said that we should be accountable with our actions online.

“The most concerning issues with social media use arise when people refuse to be accountable,” she said.

UPV Libertas president Mary Paul Therese Agpalo, a CMS sophomore, said that the organization is eager in its commitment to raise awareness on media literecy.

“In this digital age, the power is in the hands of the media consumer. What we put out in the digital space stays there forever. This is why we are hoping that through our webinar series,  the participants get to realize this power and use it responsibly and for the better good,” Agpalo stated.

The webinar, conducted via Zoom and streamed live via UPV Libertas Facebook page, was participated by 15 colleges and universities and seven high schools nationwide.

Follow @UPVLibertas on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. (Ms. Lara Grace Palay)