Are you revealing too much info online? A Q&A with FacebookSafety.ca
Million of Canadians rely on Facebook as a way to stay connected, entertained and informed — but are we giving away too much information about ourselves to complete strangers? The answer is yes, according to Paul Davis from FacebookSafety.ca. Here’s a Q&A with the tech expert.
In case you missed the Tech Talk interview with Toronto-based Paul Davis of FacebookSafety.ca, we thought the topic was important enough to revisit — this time in Q&A form. Even if you’re not on Facebook, but your kids or grandkids are, take heed to the follow info.
Sync: We tend to hear a lot about Facebook privacy issues. What are the concerns and does the issue lie with Facebook’s policies (or lack thereof) or is it mistakes Facebook users are making?
Paul Davis: It happens to be a combination of both: Facebook has made headlines on major news networks recently with respect to their privacy policies (policies that I encourage all Facebook users to read and acknowledge on the Facebook site). These policies do change — and it’s up to the user to stay on top of the changes. On the flipside, Facebook users have a habit of volunteering way too much information — examples being — giving Facebook information like all their phone numbers (cell, work, home), where they work, where they school, wedding anniversary, etc. All this information is NOT required, but volunteered.
Sync: What is the no. 1 biggest mistake Facebook users make? Why do you think that is?
Davis: That is a loaded question! I think the biggest mistake Facebook uses make is that they don’t take time (initially, when setting up an account) to go through their security settings — and secure their account. It takes about 10min to 15min to go in-depth and secure their account. This covers everything from wall postings, sharing of pictures, your friends network, who can reply to your postings, and so much more. By default, Facebook wants to you to share everything with everyone… and that is how people get information on you. Once your data is out there — it’s out there. Why? Because most people get excited about how Facebook works, when they sign up, they initially just want to start posting pictures, post on their Wall and make friend requests right away. They don’t think of the security aspect.
Sync: Ok, Paul, let’s get into specific tips. What can we do to better protect our identity on Facebook?
Davis: Apply common sense. I focus on that during my presentations. For some reason when it comes to online sharing of data, people throw out the common sense handbook! Case in point: Why do parents post pictures of their children on their Facebook account and then reference in the picture 1) the location of the picture 2) the event related to the picture (soccer tournament, their birthday party, etc) 3) Reference who the other people in the picture are (parents, relatives, friends, coaches, etc) 4) And finally, not having secured their account — now share all of the above with their endless numbers of “friends” through their network, who might be sharing it with hundreds or thousands of other “friends”…
Then there is the classic example of the worker who calls in sick on Friday and by Sunday has pictures on their Facebook account by the lake with a beverage in hand (and clearly not sick). Combined with all the comments posted on that picture as to how great the party was on the weekend up North… Not the best career move.
I respect people’s right to post/share pictures online — but apply common sense. And there are a dozen more examples.
[Editor's note: Check out Sync's Top 5 Facebook safety tips piece]
Sync: You should also be careful what you post on your wall or a friend’s wall, yes? Can you explain what the issue is and maybe share an anecdote or two that drives the point home?
Davis: Absolutely. It goes back to your security settings and number of “friends” you have in your network. If you have 400 friends in your network, it is probably a bad idea to start posting your vacation plans and sharing it with all 400 of them. My guess is you probably don’t have 400 friends in the real world, and the term “friends” in the Facebook world does not have the traditional Oxford meaning! Telling someone your house is empty for a week while you are on an island and letting the world see that information is not a good idea.
Another story: Back in March, a lady in Seattle told her many “friends” she was going to a concert that started at 8:00pm, on her Wall. Just shortly after 8:00pm — her house was broken into, and the result of that Wall posting cost her $10,000 in theft. My suggestion is post what you did — not what you are going to do, and understand who is going to see it.
Sync: Lastly, what is FacebookSafety.ca, exactly, and what do your talks address?
Davis: I speak to schools (students and parents separately), and businesses, on being safe online with tools such as Facebook, Instant Messaging, File Sharing, Cyberbullying, Handheld Technologies, and much more. With schools, it’s about teaching the kids to be safe. Many of them are on Facebook — and are under the age of 13 (13 is the are requirement to be on Facebook). When I speak to parents, it’s a wakeup call with understanding what their kids are doing online — citing very specific examples — and how to take control even if you are not a technology expert. On the business side, it’s all about safety and corporate responsibility.
EXCELLENT points and what I have been preaching for years. One thing I would like to add is that age is supposedly 13, it cannot be enforced nor can identity be currently enforced. You have no idea who friend number 251 is, or how old they really are, or their true gender, or that their picture(s) is a fake.
The Prefrontal Cortex is responsible for controlling planning, working memory, organization, and modulating mood. As the prefrontal cortex matures, teenagers can reason better, develop more control over impulses and make judgments better. In fact, this part of the brain has been dubbed “the area of sober second thought.” However, their brains are not fully developed they are impaired in fully comprehending actions and dire consequences.
Parents really need to step up to the plate and take charge. Alternatively, would you rather be saying “… I never thought it would happen to us…” Do you really need to be told that closing your eyes to cross the 401 is not a good idea, even at 2 A.M.?
I’ve listened to Paul present at my kids school – excellent! He made an impression with my order child who listened to him about the safety issue. But it was when I attended his presentation to the parents that impressed me. His passion for this subject was clear and he told parents “the way it is” – a straight talker. I was just overwhelmed with the information, and should have brought pen/paper!
What a wonderful presentation. I was completely blown away with the information provided. My husband and I felt so much more empowered – and we are not technology people.