digital footprint

[ dij-i-tl foot-print ]

noun

1. one's unique set of digital activities, actions, and communications that leave a data trace on the internet or on a computer or other digital device and can identify the particular user or device: Compare footprint ( def 4 ).

   Our online browsing habits are part of our passive digital footprint, created without our consent or knowledge, but our active digital footprint, especially on social media, can more easily be managed.

2. one’s overall impact, impression, or effect as manifested on the internet; online presence or visibility, as of a person or company: Compare footprint ( def 11 ).

   a celebrity with a large digital footprint;

   ways to expand your brand’s digital footprint.

Word History and Origins

Origin of digital footprint¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

A senior researcher at human rights organisation Article 19, Mahsa Alimardani says the majority of protesters were Gen Z and have a large digital footprint, which made “tracking the activities of protesters on social media or through their devices before and during detention” easy.

From BBC

So, Ashley Madison told its users that it would wipe their data and digital footprint for a price.

From Salon

Malwarebytes’ Digital Footprint Portal does a similar job but it can also check whether your info has been posted on the dark web.

From Seattle Times

Ms Fraser told the inquiry that relatively new technologies such as Zoom were being used during the pandemic and that records may not have been retained in the way they might be now, when a digital footprint is more likely to be created.

From BBC

Ms Fraser said relatively new technologies such as Zoom were being used during the pandemic and that records may not have been retained in the way they might be now, when a digital footprint is more likely to be created.

From BBC