Today, nearly everyone has some kind of digital footprint. A digital footprint is any information you leave behind as a result of your online activity. Even just one google search leaves behind some evidence of your existence online.
Some people try to reduce their digital footprint as much as they can. Most people can’t get away with that, especially if they work somewhere that requires them to be online. In most cases, your digital footprint isn’t going to come back and hurt you. However, after a divorce, you may need to protect your online activity.
Could your online data hurt your reputation?
Most of the internet you experience today is the result of nearly 25 years of technological advancements. When the World Wide Web (WWW) first showed up, most people didn’t know what to do with it. Many people didn’t know that it was going to take over everyone’s lives.
As a result, many people put all kinds of information online, much of it personal. Today, people are much more careful about what they put online. Despite that, most people have social media accounts and emails while data brokers collect all kinds of personal data on users.
Some people take advantage of others’ digital footprints. In many cases, people have gotten their hands on extremely personal information to, essentially, blackmail others. In other words, just a tiny bit of personal data could cost you your life, job or savings.
While you may believe your soon-to-be ex-spouse is above blackmail, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t use some kind of online activity against you in ongoing custody disputes or just to exact revenge for leaving them. You may need to consider your options and take definitive actions to protect yourself during and after a divorce.