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The description of these footprints are as follows:

Active digital footprint: This includes the data that individuals
intentionally share or create online. Examples include:
Social media posts

Blog entries or articles

Comments or reviews on websites
Photos or videos shared on platforms like Facebook,
Instagram, or YouTube

Emails and messages

Passive digital footprint: This refers to the data collected
automatically without the user’s direct input. Examples
include:

Browsing history, which shows the websites visited

IP address and location data
Search history and online shopping behaviour

Tracking cookies used by websites to collect data on users

Both active and passive footprints contribute to an individual’s
digital presence, which can be used by others, including employers, marketers, and even malicious
actors, to form an understanding of the person or their habits.
A digital footprint can be either positive or negative. A positive digital footprint is created when

creative projects or achievements are shared online, or when engagement takes place by liking
others’ posts. It reflects a responsible online presence in which thoughtful, constructive content
about personal or professional abilities is published, and participation in civil discussions occurs.

A negative digital footprint results from unfavourable online behaviour or content that may harm
a person’s reputation. This can include offensive social media posts, hurtful comments, or even
details of past legal issues.
Colleges and employers often check an individual’s digital footprint as part of the recruitment

or admissions process. A respectful and responsible online presence can create opportunities.
However, unprofessional photos, harmful posts, and negative comments can easily damage an
online reputation and affect personal and professional prospects.

For example: In 2017, Harvard took back admission offers from at least ten students after
discovering that they had shared offensive memes and messages in a private Facebook group.
Read more about this by going through the following link:
Harvard Rescinds Acceptances for At Least Ten Students for Obscene Memes -

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2017/6/5/2021-offers-rescinded-memes/

30 Computer Science - VIII