In the digital age, social media and online platforms provide personalized services by collecting and using user data. However, users often know little about how their data is collected, stored, and used. Transparent data usage refers to platforms clearly and openly informing users about how their data is processed and utilized. Transparency in data usage can enhance user trust in platforms and reduce the risk of privacy violations.

According to research from SpringerLink, transparent data usage promotes a healthier digital ecosystem and helps platforms ensure users' right to be informed while collecting data (SpringerLink, 2020).

For example, Europe's GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) requires platforms to provide transparent data usage policies, so users can clearly know how their data is stored and processed. One of the core principles of GDPR is "data portability," meaning users can request platforms to transfer their personal data to another service provider, thereby safeguarding users' control over their data.

First, platforms should simplify privacy settings so that users can easily find and adjust their privacy permissions. For example, users should clearly know what data is being collected, which data is optional, and how to restrict third-party access.

Regularly Review Privacy Settings: Users should regularly check and update their privacy settings to ensure that data collection and sharing align with their preferences. Selective Consent: Platforms should provide more transparent consent options, allowing users to decide whether they want to share certain types of data. Right to Withdraw Consent: Users should be able to withdraw consent for data collection at any time without affecting their ability to use the platform's core features.

According to research from Cambridge University Press, transparent privacy settings not only improve user satisfaction but also effectively enhance trust and loyalty towards platforms (Cambridge University Press, 2019).

To further increase platform transparency and reduce the risk of privacy violations, platforms can adopt the following best practices:

Simplify Privacy Policies: Platforms should simplify and clarify the content of privacy policies, avoiding complex legal jargon, so that ordinary users can understand how their data is being used.
Publish Transparent Data Usage Reports: Platforms should regularly release data usage reports, publicly disclosing the types of data collected, where the data is stored, the purpose of usage, and third-party data sharing practices.

For example, Apple clearly lists the purpose of each data collection method in its privacy policy and allows users to precisely manage each permission through settings. This transparent approach has gained significant user approval.

According to an analysis from IEEE, adopting these best practices not only enhances user trust but also reduces the legal and ethical risks faced by platforms (IEEE, 2021).

In addition to platforms improving transparency and privacy settings, users themselves should actively take measures to protect their privacy. Here are some simple and practical privacy protection tips:

Regularly Review Permissions: Users should regularly review and adjust the permission settings for social platforms and apps, disabling unnecessary permissions.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Ensure all accounts have strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to enhance account security.
Privacy Tools: Use VPNs, privacy browsers (such as Tor), and ad-blocking tools to reduce online tracking.
Be Cautious About Social Media Sharing: When sharing personal information, avoid posting sensitive personal data and set appropriate privacy restrictions.

By taking these steps, users can gain more control over the data collection on platforms, reducing the risks of privacy breaches and data misuse.