The session will address privacy concerns to consider within personal digital archives, particularly when access to information from the item or collection is openly available. Privacy is often an elusive term, difficult to pin down and collectively define. And perhaps even more difficult to use and apply as a working standard or ethical value to uphold within a project.

The session will outline types of private information that may be more readily apparent, such as personally identifiable information (social security number, medical information, etc.), as well as that which may be less obvious or inconspicuous in nature. The impact of sharing and publishing private information can directly affect an individual(s), and privacy violations often occur as result of publication. These violations happen when private information is disclosed within a larger arena of discovery and/or access.

Some real world examples will be provided to show how different notions of privacy can be present within content, particularly within unpublished content like personal diaries, photographs or other material. Methods to conduct a privacy review and assessment will be outlined, work that can help to prevent the disclosure of private information. Ethical decision making models around potential privacy violations will also be shared. Framing questions around the original context, purpose, audience of the item or collection will be discussed as another tactic for discussion and identification of privacy issues. And finally, questions to pose towards the original content creator (if known) will be reviewed, focusing on issues of information control, consent and awareness. The goal of this session will be to acknowledge privacy and provide ways for attendees to consider this as an important aspect within personal digital archives.