Understanding Privacy - Clickwraps and Consent

About this resource

How often do you read the terms of service and the privacy policy before you click “agree” to use or download a new app or social media service? If you did, would you understand them? Do you know what you are agreeing to in exchange?

If you are like most people, the answer to these questions is probably “NO”! But digital technologies such as downloadable applications, digital services, and social media accounts are ubiquitous in Canada today. People of all ages rely on them for leisure and socialization, for essential communication, for learning and work, to facilitate basic tasks, and for many other reasons. But few of us understand what information we give up when we click “agree”, or how this information is collected and used.

This classroom resource, produced in collaboration between CCLET, York University, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, will support teachers who want to explore these questions with students in both elementary and secondary classrooms.