The Information and Privacy Commissioner for Ontario, Ann Cavoukian, together with Facebook have jointly released a brochure called When Online Gets Out of Line: Privacy – Make an Informed Online Choice.
The brochure is suggested reading for high school and university students. Four questions that are raised in the press release for end users to consider when using a social networking website:
- Does the service offer the choice to block availability of certain sensitive information?
- Can you limit your profile to being viewed only with your permission by those who are not “confirmed friends?”
- Are the pictures and information on your profile or in your blog appropriate?
- Are you comfortable sharing all of the information on your profile with people you have never met?
The brochure appears to be a good start. There is a need to get safe surfing taught to younger age groups. The press release says:
Before you begin to register or create a profile, look for the privacy statements and policies offered by your social networking service.
Primary grade kids are avid internet users, including social networking services. This age group doesn’t know how to read or understand a privacy statement. How will they learn which sites are safe or which sites protect these vulnerable users?
Parents should oversee their kids’ online activities and demand that popular websites for children adhere to a code of child-safe best practices.
We are involved with KINSA – the Kids’ Internet Safety Alliance – working to eliminate the online exploitation of children and youth.
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