ROSEVILLE -- The controversial headlines about Google privacy changes and Facebook’s Timeline mandatory implementation crystallize that each family and every individual must understand what “privacy” means in the network culture. In my view, the open nature of the Net and the premise of creating social media services to “connect everyone” makes privacy a tertiary concern.
So to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
According to an anonymous source with the Sacramento Privacy Network, there are no U.S. laws that speak to individual ownership of the data in the social networks, whereas the laws in Europe do the opposite.
The United States law in this regard is less protective of the individual.
And beyond the legal provisions for individual network privacy, it is probably wise to examine our own personal expectations and standards about “sharing” on-line and in person.
Dr. Angela Chanter is a psychologist in Roseville who hellps children and families with anxiety and depression. According to Chanter, networked in on-line communities our children can easily become over exposed. “Everything is in one place and it is dangerous; I understand why kids are so anxious,” Chanter said.
Chanter encourages parents to help children understand what not to share because there is a perception of zero personal accountability on-line for what is expressed, and much of it is not really meaningful, and can be hurtful. So, for example, talk to the person with whom you have a dispute face to face.
To manage privacy expectations, understand the privacy settings of every application you sign up to use. If it requires a password, then it is a good idea to know the application service provider’s commitment to privacy.
Parent Resources
- Parenting in the Network Culture
- A Parent’s Guide to Cyber Citizenship
- Dr. Angela Chanter
- Sacramento Privacy Network
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