Libraries’ Approach to User Data Security in the Digital Age

As a result of the emergence of the internet, semantic web and social media, netizens have been able to create digital footprints on scholarly, commercial or non-scholarly platforms. However, it remains a mystery as to what happens to the data created by ordinary users of digital platforms, whether they create text, visuals, sounds or multimedia files. The study aims to identify actionable solutions that libraries can adopt to protect their users’ privacy and rights, and provide valuable insights that will benefit internet users by enhancing their awareness of data practices. This article seeks to explore the concept of informational capitalism amidst rising surveillance capitalism and suggests ways through which libraries can protect the interests of their users against data capitalism. Libraries should observe strict guidelines on the confidentiality of patrons’ records and enable the implementation of encryption protocols and secure connections to protect information from unauthorized access. Considering that data have become a highly sought-out commodity, the role of librarians in educating users on the safe use of the internet should be considered as a high priority. Maintaining user trust in the digital world will help to enhance the credibility of the library profession. By addressing these critical concerns, the research will contribute to the development of more informed and effective policies that safeguard user privacy and data security in an increasingly digital world.

This is an abridged translation of the article from the IFLA Journal (Chisita C.T., Durodolu O.O., Rusero A.M. Data Capitalism in the Milieu of the Surveillance Economy: What Can Libraries Do? // IFLA Journal. 2025. Vol. 51, № 2. P. 339—349. DOI: 10.1177/03400352241286170), released under the CC BY 4.0.

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