Online privacy

[Gwellin]

This has bothered me for a while. Many members are way too quickly giving out their own information and the information of others. I want to make a set of suggestions that I hope all of you will take to heart, especially where the younger members are concerned.

Do not give out real names
If someone asks you do not need to answer. First name may not be too bad, but you should never say your full name. When it comes to someone else's name NEVER give it out unless they want you to. Ask for permission first, but assume no.

Be careful with your age
For the younger members you should be very careful about announcing your age. This specifically applies to the chats where you don't know who could be watching. In fact you should be especially vigilant of the random people who come in and start asking for ages. You should keep an eye on them.

Do not give out other personal information
Even things such as you home city or town, school, church, and anything like that, should be kept private. Even digital contacts should be carefully guarded until you know someone. Also, if they have a direct line to contact you, such as MSN, AIM, Skype, ect; you won't know what they might do. Again, this applies to yourself and others.


Be wary of those asking such questions and you should avoid bringing up these topics as well.

This is for your own protection.

[localretard]

[Aeronautical]

Good points Gwellin. Also, don't push someone to answer a question like this that they don't want to. And just because other people are giving away age, location, etc doesn't mean you have to as well.

[nmufred]

Thank you for that reminder Gwellin. I know I'm one who's guilty of asking too many questions in that regard, so I will definitely cut back on that.

[Kilgard]

Great points Gwellin, I've been saying this for awhile now. Using myself as an example, it's fine to give out SOME information, but at least get to know the people you're giving it out to first. If some random Ustreamer you've known for 5 mins wants your Facebook, MSN, and social it's probably not a good idea to just toss out that info.

My MSN is in my profile, but even still I don't just add anyone that adds me, I have to at least have a conversation first :/ Remember MSN has a "Block" button real Stalkers don't.

Ohhh one last thing! If you're using an IRC client, don't put in your real name unless you want people knowing it. we can look up any info that is typed into thous fields, and most people over look that.

[KatTheBard]

Great points Gwellin, I've been saying this for awhile now. Using myself as an example, it's fine to give out SOME information, but at least get to know the people you're giving it out to first. If some random Ustreamer you've known for 5 mins wants your Facebook, MSN, and social it's probably not a good idea to just toss out that info.

My MSN is in my profile, but even still I don't just add anyone that adds me, I have to at least have a conversation first :/ Remember MSN has a "Block" button real Stalkers don't.

Ohhh one last thing! If you're using an IRC client, don't put in your real name unless you want people knowing it. we can look up any info that is typed into thous fields, and most people over look that.

Most places should have a block button these days, just thought I'd like to add that. Uhh...yeah.

[zach2m1]

I love your new avatar local yea well Gwellin makes a good point so I changed to where I live though to a more broad location though.

[whitemage730]

I have yet to meet anyone I've grown comfortable enough with on the internet to give out my name. Not my first not my last. I'm really paranoid like that. OR my school or city.

[Jamesdh17]

I am very open on the internet, proof of concept *looks at user name and profile information* Also another thing to look at is that about 30 people online know my first and last name (because its on my msn account) mind you i have known all these individuals over 2 years before giving them my msn and also knowing the fact that i have been online over 6 years 30 isn't a really big number.

I know this applies more to a younger group of the forums that might be led into giving away there address and such things like that but i still felt like making a point, also there are over 15 James D. H........s in alabama bet no one who knows my last name could tell you which one i am so i am safe :P

[Gwellin]

James, if that is your real name, you are correct. If anyone really doesn't mind giving out their name then I won't stop them. I am trying to stop are those who don't realize the risks involved. With a name a person can be tracked down, and that's where problems begin, which I'd rather not detail. Minors are especially at risk.

Besides all the dangers you must also respect the privacy of others. My name, for example, is not hard to find out, but I also don't want it to ever be posted in a chat unless I choose to do so. The other day though I saw someone's name being posted when he wasn't even there to approve its use. I understand the fascination of knowing peoples names, it makes you feel that you know them better, but if you do find out give them the courtesy of not telling anyone else.