This morning over on TechCrunch, Erik Schonfeld reminds us that today is "Data Privacy Day 2009" and exhorts subscribers on the inherent dangers of disclosing one's private information in exchange for participation in social media.
As a Community Builder here on ActiveRain, one of the constant issues of concern that I field through our Help Desk Ticket System is over thoughtless comments or inappropriate information recklessly published on our platform, and the often times difficult challenges of getting those comments/information removed in a timely fashion.
Even when we manually remove this information from our network, it can still take additional time for the search engines to update their systems, and for the data to eventually disappear. All the while, such words remain dangerously exposed to the entire world.
In today's 'litigation-happy' 'lawsuit-frenzied' society, we need to exercise exceptional care and caution in what information we publish to the digital record. Whenever legal proceedings ensue, court-ordered confiscation of computers is typically one of the first actions pursued, followed by a tracing of digital footprints, i.e. e-mails, browsing habits, and social media involvements.
The new-found cash cow for 'ambulance chasers' is the unauthorized use of copyrighted images/pictures. There are "professional" photographers who upload literally thousands of photos to the Internet, and then lie in wait, hoping for some unsuspectiing 'rube' to come along and copy/paste them to their blog/website. Shortly thereafter, an invoice from their legal counsel shows up in your mailbox to the tune of several thousand dollars!
In addition, being 'too' transparent with your personal information on social networks can open you up to phishers, scammers, and identity thieves.
May "Data Privacy Day 2009" remind us to think twice about what we contribute to the digital archives, and that our words/actions can have a very long and lasting impact.
Thank you for the reminder that many people need.
Thanks for this pointed reminder. Thanks to the informative posts from others, I have resorted to using photos only from my own camera. The personal information aspect is a bit tougher to control...
I think at some point you will see some very unhappy members when they get that notice.
So true. Thanks for the reminder we all MUST be careful what we post.
Great reminder that (just about) everything posted on the web is viewable by anyone that cares to look. I actually just did a similar post on Reputation Management for real estate agents.
Rich, do you know what program those professional photographers use to "find" their photos? Is it a program that we could use to track the stealing of our photos?
Elaine: There's a new application called TinEye that is currently in BETA form that I think you can try out for free....
Hi Rich- I've always felt people are too free with their personal information online. Now I'm going to shock you. When I signed on to the December Radio Show I had to provide personal information which included my birth date. There was no option to disregard that portion. The shocking news is that I was born in the late 1800's, whatever the earliest year was ~ I chose it, not bad for 120 something!!! HAHAHAHA.
I am still amazed how much information can be found out about someone online with really very little effort. I think it would be easier to go undercover in the world than online! Rich about those photographers lying in wait - that's just plain nasty.
Rich, after all the discussion several months ago about copywrite issues, if I can't take my own photo, I'm using clipart!
Connie- watch out. Clipart is also covered by copyright, unless purchased or specifically allowed. The only difference is I don't think there's a sting operation set to trap its users - Yet.
Now that registrations are coming back into vogue at many real estate websites, there will be a lot of new consumer data floating around to be abused.
I'll just go ahead and say out loud that I allow attributed use of my images on Flickr.
You are right about being careful. Even if you take it down, it's still going to be out there forever!
Lane: Wasn't that an old TV show? My Friend, Flickr?...no, hold it, ...that was Flicker... Never mind!
flicka
kinda sad those ambulance chasers as you call them...
There also should be a "If you can't say something nice about your client don't say anything at all.." day. People rant and rave way too much about things they have no business talking about, let alone putting out there for all the search engines to find.
I hope this year won't be the year of Litigation Lottery.
Rich, As a parent I am constantly talking to my daughter about the dangers of texting, emailing, etc because it all can be so easily circulated, and so often to the wrong people. I think most teens have more experience in this area than many adults. Still we all make mistakes so it's best to proceed with caution when we choose the words that all the world can see.
Rich -Thanks for the reminder about giving too much personal information. The copyright issue has always been an important one but it has never been enforced like it is now with the current technologies. Thanks!
Rich, this is so very true...they just hide in the bushes and watch. Waiting for someone to prey on!
Wow...I know that there are many things to be aware of but the ambulance chasers in the form of pictures was an eye opener. The majority of my pictures have been taken by me since meeting you and Brad at ReBar camp! Thanks again!
Rich,
This is such a huge issue that can never be emphasized enough. One innocent careless slip on the Internet can lead to a truckload of trouble, unfortunately.
Rich, right on! Isn't it too bad that grownups have to be told that what they write on the internet, is out there? We tell our children, but what about the adults?
There a lots of PI's searching the internet -- My friend and I have found out a lot about a potential "beau" by searching the internet -- having only a couple of clues to start with. Be careful out there.
Rich,
Thanks for the reminder! We need to err on the side of caution and be blogging carefully...!!! Thanks, Fran
WOW! I didn't even know there was such a day. It's kind of scary don't you think?
Thank you for reminding us. Fran is right we do need to air on the side of caution!