Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Privacy and social networking

By Andrew Barkla - posted Tuesday, 6 May 2008


“If you want any kind of interaction, you have to be engaged and reveal things. Privacy means having a small number of friends, but that is not really consistent with being a fully engaged user.”

So, is the price of privacy not engaging in online social networking?

No - it isn’t that radical, however the solution probably does have something to do with recognising our online behaviour and, if need be, modifying it.

Advertisement

Let’s face it, if it feels uncomfortable - and that is what Australians are saying - then it is probably is a good indication that we should do something differently.

Modifying our behaviour has been one of the most effective tools we have as a society in reducing risk, any where from drink driving, to giving up smoking to recycling, to protecting our environment.

We need to apply the lessons we have learnt from these successes to our online behaviour and modify that which makes us feel uncomfortable.

We need to do this because the evidence is there - none of us want to lose our personal information.

One area we already know is of significant concern is the loss or misuse of personal information, with the vast majority of people saying that this is an issue of the highest concern to them.

Of the 14 nations surveyed globally, the loss or misuse of personal information ranks as one of Australia’s highest concerns:

Advertisement
  • in Australia, fear of ID theft has ranked consistently as the highest or second highest concern of the nation; and
  • 61 per cent of Australians are extremely or very concerned about the loss or misuse of personal information;

Disturbing results given the fact that we are asked, daily, to provide personal data for a range of transactions. When we go online, it is like opening a door into our lives, our work and our homes. You can make sure you are prepared by following these simple guidelines:

  • don’t post too much personal information - like your children’s photos and details of where they go to school;
  • think carefully before posting material online - like holiday plans that could alert thieves to an empty home;
  • make sure you know how to set privacy controls - often you are not required to give as much information as you think;
  • block any user whose behaviour is, abusive, bullying or harassing you in any way; and
  • report inappropriate behaviour immediately to the host website operator.

Protection of personal information is a key issue here in Australia and around the world and it will only continue to grow in importance as online social networking continues to evolve.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

1 post so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Andrew Barkla is Vice President and General Manager of Unisys Asia Pacific.

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Andrew Barkla
Article Tools
Comment 1 comment
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy