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Online Privacy and Participation

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Related Guides

This guide has some useful online tutorials and tools, as well as some VPL Catalogue and Digital Library Resources to help educate and empower you to participate safely and comfortably online.

Find upcoming Digital Essentials classes and help sessions.

Useful Websites

Module-based tutorials on a variety of cybersecurity topics. This organization is supported by Public Safety Canada and offers all its resources for free with no sign-up.

This site has a list of various web account services and gives full details on how difficult it is to delete an account from them. This site is worthwhile for users thinking about signing up for a new web account.

This extremely valuable resource gives overviews and ratings of online services based on how legally-binding or invasive they are. The full terms of service documents are also included alongside summaries and ratings.

The Privacy Commissioner offers a wide range of strategies and resources to protect yourself online.

Some step-by-step tips on how to delete various aspects of a user’s online identity. 

A useful tutorial to familiarize learners with online frauds and scams to help them stay safe online.

Digital Library Resources

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LinkedIn Learning offers video courses in business, computer technology, software, and creative skills, all conducted by experts in their fields.

New to LinkedIn Learning? View a video tutorial or visit the LinkedIn Learning FAQ page for more information.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
Language and Literature Subject Icon

Enjoy an extensive selection of ebooks and audiobooks on your ereader, browser or download the Libby app for your smartphone or tablet. For more information see our help guide.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents
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Trial update: O’Reilly will continue to be offered on a trial basis through December 2025.

Contains a vast collection of technology and business ebooks, audiobooks, videos, courses, and more. A great resource for professional development.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents

Recommended Titles

Cover Image for Privacy and Security Online: Best Practices for Cybersecurity

Privacy and Security Online: Best Practices for Cybersecurity

Hennig, Nicole

025.042 H51ps

2018

This guide offers detailed best practices for online privacy and security. A more advanced read, but a great resource that offers practical tips and techniques.

Cover Image for My Online Privacy for Seniors

My Online Privacy for Seniors

Rich, Jason

005.8 R49m

2019

This easy-to-use guide includes step-by-step tutorials and solid explainers on the basics of online privacy and internet usage. This resource is written for seniors but some of the lessons and tips included are useful for anyone new to using the internet.

Cover Image for Growing Up Shared: How Parents Can Share Smarter on Social Media

Growing Up Shared: How Parents Can Share Smarter on Social Media

Steinberg, Stacey

004.670289 S81g

2020

This book is written for parents, and it offers covers a lot of the key considerations and best practices when it comes to online sharing related to children.

Cover Image for Digital Identity: Your Reputation Online

Digital Identity: Your Reputation Online

Kamberg, Mary-Lane

J004.67 K15d

2019

This book is written for younger audiences, but it is useful for beginning internet users of all ages. It has great hands-on tips for online safety and offers useful defintions and explainers for basic principles of digital identity formation and maintenance.

Cover Image for First Phone

First Phone

Pearlman, Catherine

J621.38456 P35f

2022

A fun and informative illustrated kids' guide to safely and productively navigating the digital landscape. Useful also for parents curious about what sort of things their kids might encounter online or with their smartphones.