In a recent and quite revelatory turn of events, Google has conceded a point that privacy advocates have long suspected: even when you’re browsing in ‘Incognito’ mode in Google Chrome, you’re not quite as incognito as you might think. This acknowledgment comes in the wake of a $5 billion settlement to dodge a lawsuit from 2020, shining a spotlight on the often-misunderstood realm of digital privacy.

Have you ever wondered how your sensitive information stays secure when you’re shopping online or sending a private email? The answer lies in something called encryption, a complex system of coding that disguises your data to keep it safe from prying eyes. Some might argue, “I have nothing to hide. Why should I care about encryption?” Well, the truth is, encryption is critical for everyone, and here’s why.

Cookies are delicious, depending on your palate. Some like sugar, I’m partial to oatmeal raisin. Others may prefer chocolate chip, and advertisers like the digital ones. And while the wording must be confusing for many, many people, there is no shortage of digital cookies. The majority of modern websites rely extensively on several different types of cookie to provide their users with services. Some are completely innocent, others may be more insidious. The thing is, a cookie by any other name is still a cookie, although the end-user may not realize it.

With little national fanfare, Vermont’s new data brokering law – requiring businesses which buy and sell your personal data to register and disclose to the state of Vermont that they are a data broker – went into effect a few weeks ago.