Social media privacy target
Federal privacy minister Brendan O’Connor last week encouraged Australians to be alert to the ways they can protect their privacy in the online world as part of Privacy Awareness Week.
The year’s theme, ‘Privacy: It’s all about you’, aimed to increase awareness of the importance of being alert to possible privacy infringements and what steps you can take to protect your privacy.
“While it may not bother some people to have their personal details accessible to others, it’s important to consider how the availability of our personal information may affect us in future,” O’Connor said.
“Online-based crime is increasing and victims can suffer long-lasting personal and financial consequences, including theft, a ruined credit rating.”
O’Connor also highlighted the social consequences if other people access your personal information unexpectedly.
“That seemingly harmless photograph of a big night out might not be a problem now, but it might be a worry for you when applying for a job or in future personal relationships,” he said.
Tips were given to minimise the risks of harm on social networking sites, including asking for a person’s consent before posting or tagging images and not accepting friend requests from people you don’t know.
info: Visit www.privacyawarenessweek.org
