On Jan. 27, associate professor Evan Light brought an immersive blend of art, policy and privacy insights to the Student Commons in collaboration with the iSchool. The session explored how immersive art can spark critical conversations about surveillance, privacy and democracy while shaping how emerging technologies like facial recognition are understood within Canadian policy discussions.

Created by a team of researchers focused on privacy, equity and human rights, the exhibit drew on Amazon Ring, a widely used home surveillance device with a built-in doorbell camera. As part of the installation, visitors approached a physical door set up in the space. When they stepped toward it, the system activated a simulated doorbell-camera view. This prompted candid reactions from surprise to discomfort, and encouraged guests to consider how often they are recorded in everyday life. The experience invited participants to reflect on facial recognition technology and its quiet but accelerating expansion across Canada.

Robarts Library featured a curated book display exploring the evolving meaning of privacy in law, philosophy and public life. The collection included On Liberty by John Stuart Mill, The Right to Be Forgotten by George Brock, and Paul Fairfield’s Public/Private, which examines the boundaries between public and private life, inviting readers to reflect on how privacy shapes individual freedom, democratic values and our digital future.

New this year, Privacy Quest invites the U of T community to explore how their approach to technology shapes their digital journey. Participants discovered their privacy persona through a short anonymous quiz and received tailored strategies to strengthen their privacy practices.

Developed in collaboration with the University of Michigan, Privacy Quest was released as part of the campaign and will be available year-round. So far, more than 140 people have taken the quiz, and most people fall under the “Map Makers” and “Survivalists” privacy personas.

Map Makers like clarity and structure in their digital lives but may overlook smaller settings or routine updates, leaving unintended gaps in their privacy practices.

Survivalists stay constantly prepared with tools like VPNs, encryption and firewalls but their vigilance can become tiring and may limit meaningful online experiences.

If you haven’t tried Privacy Quest yet, check it out to see what type of digital traveller you are.

Meet Dear 404, the security advice column that won’t redirect you. Ever wished for a friendly, judgment-free place to ask your cyber security questions? Dear 404 is your go-to for digital advice with a retro dial-up vibe.

Launched last year, Dear 404 gives U of T community members a friendly, judgment‑free place to ask anonymous cyber security questions. So far, five community‑submitted questions have been published, covering topics such as password managers and safe device disposal.

Together, these initiatives supported the U of T community in building stronger, more informed privacy practices — and showed that when it comes to protecting our data, one day really isn’t enough.