UNIT 6 – READING ACTIVITY

GDPR basics for farmers

• Purpose limitation: Collect data only for specific, legitimate reasons, such as monitoring soil moisture. Don’t reuse data for unrelated purposes without consent.

• Lawfulness, fairness and transparency: Inform people about why and how their data will be used. If sensor data includes personal details (e.g., employee locations), obtain consent or ensure you have a legal basis (e.g., for payroll).

• Data minimisation: Gather only the data you need. For example, an app that maps fields does not need personal addresses.

• Accuracy: Keep records accurate and up to date. Correct or delete incorrect data promptly.

• Storage limitation: Keep data only as long as necessary. Set a schedule to review and delete old sensor logs.

• Security: Protect data with encryption, password protection and access controls. Restrict access to those who need it.

Cybersecurity Essentials

Digital tools improve farm efficiency, but they also require proper security practices. The following principles help protect farm data and digital systems:

Strong Passwords and Passphrases

Use complex, unique passwords for different services. Passphrases made of random words are easier to remember and harder to crack.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA where possible. It adds a second step (like a code sent to your phone) to logins, making accounts harder to break into.

Beware of Phishing

Fraudsters send fake emails or messages to trick you into revealing information. Check the sender’s address, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share passwords.

Secure Networks

Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. Protect your home and office networks with strong passwords and updated routers.

Software Updates

Keep devices and apps up to date. Updates fix security weaknesses.

Backups

Regularly back up important data to a secure location, such as an external drive or a trusted cloud service.

Digital Ethics

Using digital tools responsibly is just as important as using them efficiently. Ethical data practices protect individuals, farms, and communities.

Responsible Data Sharing

Share data only with trusted partners and only when necessary. Ensure third-party services have clear privacy policies and comply with GDPR.

Avoid Misuse

Do not use data to exploit or discriminate against others. Do not repurpose personal data for marketing without consent.

Transparency and Accountability

Clearly communicate to workers and partners how data is collected and used. If mistakes occur, address them openly and correct them.

Fairness in Automation

When using algorithms (for irrigation, feeding, etc.), ensure decisions are fair and consider environmental and social impacts.