Final answer:
The Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P) is a technology that helps users avoid websites that do not meet their privacy requirements, aligning with both user settings and legal guidelines like COPPA for the protection of online data.
Step-by-step explanation:
A screening technology called Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P) helps shield users from sites that do not provide the level of privacy protection they desire. This technology allows users to set their privacy preferences, and it interacts with websites to determine if the site's privacy policies match the user's settings. When there is a match, access to the site is granted; if not, the user may be warned or the site may be blocked altogether. This tool is part of the broader conversation on cyber data issues with privacy, where both state and federal laws, such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), work to protect personal data stored electronically.
As online presence increases, so does the risk of privacy breaches. Companies, like social media platforms, allow customization of privacy settings, but laws may also intervene to regulate data privacy and security. The aim is to protect individuals' right to privacy against unwanted surveillance while navigating the complex cyber world. The Pew Research Center surveys reveal evolving perceptions of online risks posed by individuals, companies, and the government, highlighting the importance of both personal and statutory measures, like P3P, in managing online privacy, security, and control.