To expand their insight concerning digital life, Communication Science Students at Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) participated in an online class. The class came in the form of an event-themed ‘Visiting Professor Class,’ and it featured an international academician from India, Janaki Srinivasan.
The speaker was an Associate Professor at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IITB). Thus far, Janaki has published international research and partnered with the National Science Foundation of the USA, Oxford University of the UK, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) of Germany.
The online class, entitled ‘Privacy in Digital Communication,’ was held online using the Zoom Meeting platform. It was participated by 130 students, with the lack of awareness of internet users toward digital privacy security being the main topic.
During the class, Janaki explained that the digital world houses certain ‘data.’ When this ‘data’ is connected with communication, the data may contain chats, e-mails, fingerprints, ID cards, and voice notes.
“As agents of change, students must be aware of their security of digital privacy, as these data are very vulnerable and can be dangerous if abused,” Janaki explained.
Privacy matters are not a new phenomenon, as it has existed long before the digital era. Back then, important files were only stored in a cabinet, with no additional security. This causes privacy problems to arise. As technology begins to advance, privacy is still an important issue.
“For example, CCTV is a security system in every public space. However, despite its positive intent, CCTV is often abused by malicious parties to violate the privacy of others,” Janaki explained.
The Visiting Professor Class was the first of its kind to be hosted by the Communication Science Department at Udinus. The class was also filled with enthusiasm sparked by students through their questions during the Q&A session.
Dr. Rahmawati Zulfiningrum, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., the Head of the Communication Science Department at Udinus, explained that the field of Communication Science was directly connected to digital media. This is because it also concerns privacy, which should be understood by students. This online class is expected to make students more aware of the privacy matters surrounding digital media.
“We featured an international speaker to present perspectives from globally acclaimed experts. From now on, the Visiting Professor Class will be our routine agenda involving academicians and practitioners from various countries,” she concluded. (Humas Udinus/Haris. Foto: Dok. Ilkom)
