What is metadata?

An important term that has emerged in the debate surrounding online privacy and government tracking is metadata. Metadata is used to refer to information about a particular set of communications that is not the content of those communications. So the subject line of an email, rather than its contents. Or the location that a text message was sent, rather than its contents. While metadata seems like it might be safer to collect, it can still be used to uncover information about individuals that could constitute a violation of privacy.

Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).

Part of the https://www.internet-class.org online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (https://blue.cse.buffalo.edu) production.