Which approach is used to govern the sharing of personal data on the internet?

The correct choice is privacy policies because they are crucial documents that outline how organizations collect, use, store, and share personal data. They inform users about their rights with respect to their personal information and the entity's practices regarding data protection. By detailing the terms under which data may be shared, privacy policies serve as both a legal guideline and a user-facing communication tool, ensuring transparency and fostering trust between users and organizations. These policies are essential in a digital environment where personal data is frequently exchanged and are often required by law, reflecting the growing emphasis on data protection and privacy rights.

In contrast, personal agreements might not provide a comprehensive framework for data sharing as they are usually more informal and not standardized. Standard contracts, while important in certain business relationships, are not specifically tailored to data sharing practices and may not address the nuances of personal data use. Government mandates can enforce certain standards; however, they are typically broad regulations rather than specific guidelines for individual interactions regarding data sharing. Thus, privacy policies are the most relevant and effective approach in governing the sharing of personal data on the internet.