Every time you go online, you leave behind traces of information — like footprints in the sand (or craters on a moon!). These traces are called your digital footprint. Just like real footprints, they show where you've been, what you've done, and even hint at who you are.
🔴 Active Footprint
Information you intentionally share online. This includes: posting on social media, filling out a profile, writing comments, uploading photos, and sending messages.
Example: You post a photo from your school's soccer game with your location tagged. That's an active footprint!
🟡 Passive Footprint
Information collected about you without you realizing it. This includes: websites you visit, ads you click, your IP address, and how long you spend on a page.
Example: A video streaming site tracks which videos you watch to recommend more. That's a passive footprint!
🟢 Permanent & Searchable
Once something is online, it can be very hard to fully delete. Even if you remove a post, copies might exist in screenshots, caches, or on other people's devices.
Think before you post: Would you be comfortable if your family, teachers, or future employers saw this?
🔵 You Can Manage It!
You have power over your footprint! Use privacy settings, be thoughtful about what you share, use strong passwords, and regularly review what apps can access.
Space Tip: Astronauts keep their mission logs secure. You should too — protect your personal data like it's mission-critical!
The trail of data you leave when using the internet
Controls that let you decide who sees your information
Information that identifies who you are (name, location, birthday)
When websites/apps gather and store information about you
What people can find out about you online
Small files websites use to remember and track your visits
Space Command needs your help! Each asteroid below represents a different digital activity. Sort them into the correct zone: Active Footprint (you chose to share it) or Passive Footprint (collected without you intentionally sharing it). Drag and drop, or use the keyboard with Enter/Space.
Complete activities to earn mission badges. Your progress is saved while you're on this page. Keep going — unlock them all!
Complete a quiz round to see your history here!