From social media algorithms to AI-powered tools, digital technologies are shaping more aspects of everyday life than ever before. As conversations around online privacy, safety, and digital citizenship intensify, the need for accessible digital and media literacy education is more critical than ever.

To help students build skills and awareness, University of Toronto Libraries is launching a week-long event to focus on building capacity and raising awareness of data collection, use, and sharing, as well as digital privacy and security.

Based at Gerstein Science Information Centre in partnership with the Map and Data Library, the week-long event runs from January 26-30, 2026. Events include a series of virtual workshops led by U of T Librarians and an exhibit promoting quick and easy actions to help you start your digital data review.

Complementing the exhibit is a drop-in activation event, Data Detox in Action: Tasks for Snacks, where participants can complete data and technology best practices for security and wellness and spin a wheel to receive a snack. Workshop participants have the chance to win one of three gift card prizes by completing a feedback form and entering a prize draw. The event is based on content from the Data Detox Kit by Tactical Tech, an international NGO that engages with citizens and civil-society organizations to explore and mitigate the impacts of technology on society. This year is a reboot of a similar initiative funded by a Chief Librarian’s Innovation Award in 2023.

Event schedule

Data Detox Expo
Monday, January 26 to Fri January 30
Gerstein Science Information Centre lobby
During library hours; no registration required

Data Detox in Action: Tasks for Snacks
Monday January 26 from 12-2pm
Gerstein Science Information Centre lobby
Drop-in; no registration required
Join us at the expo for Data Detox in Action: Tasks for Snacks, a hands-on Data Detox Week event where small actions lead to big digital wins. Participants will build awareness and practical skills around how data is collected, used, and shared—and what that means for personal privacy and security. Through guided activities (and snacks!), you’ll apply what you learn directly to your own devices and everyday digital habits, making it easier to take control of your data one task at a time.

Workshop: Smart Phones, Smart Habits
Wednesday January 28 from 12 - 1 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Register Here

Workshop: Demystifying Your Data
Thursday January 29 from 12-1p.m.
Online via Zoom
Register Here

Workshop: Facts vs Feeling - Identifying Design Tricks and Misinformation Online
Friday January 30 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Register Here

Contact
For more information please reach out to Julia Martyniuk, Liaison and Education Librarian, julia.martyniuk@utoronto.ca.

Data Detox Week with U of T Libraries

Learn more

Gerstein Science Information Centre