Gen Z is constantly navigating the tension between convenience and security. With every new device, app, or service designed to make life easier, there’s an implicit risk to personal data and privacy. Voice assistants, smart devices, and location-based services can enhance daily living, yet they also leave personal information exposed and vulnerable. This session will explore the complex relationship between data protection of privacy and convenience, examining the trade-offs individuals face when engaging with digital technologies. For Gen Z, who are used to instant access to information and services, securing privacy often requires making difficult decisions about which technologies to embrace and which to reject. In this session, I will offer actionable strategies to participants for balancing the ease of modern tech with strong data and privacy protection. The session will cover data tracking, location-based services, personalized advertising, and consumer profiling, focusing on how Gen Z can make informed choices about what information they share. Key takeaways for the audience will be practical tools Gen Z can use to safeguard their digital presence while still enjoying the benefits of a connected world including VPNs, encrypted messaging, and privacy-focused settings. I intend to help attendees understand their data protection rights and interpret privacy policies. This session will empower Gen Z to make conscious decisions about their digital lives, helping them navigate the fine line between convenience and security.
