We have reached the age of no privacy. Nowadays, our cell phones, facebook, and other social networking sites which we may be affiliated, know almost everything about us. To join most social networking sites, we must give basic information such as name, birth date, and gender. So we could say that habiting in the world of social networking and smartphones means giving some of your personal information. Many people list additional profile information and their information listed can be kept private, except to the companies themselves.
Just by clicking on someone’s page, we can view a video of someone’s wedding, new baby photos, or a funny shot of a friend. We can also check our friends’ updates, and the location of where the picture was taken.
To join Myspace, Facebook, or other social networking sites you must be 13 years old or older. If children under the age of 13 visits certain websites, the federal law requires those sites post a privacy policy, get parental approval before collecting their child’s information, and allow parents to completely delete the information or prevent sites from obtaining info about their children.
Websites are not subject to privacy policies, but sites that utilize credit card information must follow standards for protecting customers’ data. Medical papers and financial information are required to have stricter rules.
Currently in the USA, websites are allowed to collect personal information including real names, addresses, credit card numbers, and what other websites people have visited so they can potentially sell or advertise items or services to you, based on the personal info they obtained. Sites can keep the information they have learned from you, and also share with other websites.
Though many social networking and social media sites are legitimate, it is important to take necessary precautions of not giving out too much information about yourself. It is also suggested by experts to never give them a clue as to when you will be on vacation or if you will be away for a few days. By limiting the amount of information you present on social networking sites, you will be able to enjoy the many benefits that come with socializing online.
