Youngsters’ Reckless Online Posting of Personal Data Poses ID Theft Risk

Young people who post personal data on the Web could open opportunities for identity theft and fraud, putting at risk their future education and career prospects, such is a warning that the privacy watchdog of Britain published in a report on November 23, 2007.

In an extensive study of young people's online behavior, the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) estimates that 4.5 Million Internet users ranging between 14 years and 21 years of age could suffer from identity fraud as they recklessly give away their private information on the Web, especially on social networking Websites. About the same number of people are jeopardizing their future academic and professional prospects by allowing to leave "electronic clues" that could damage their possibilities of getting entries to colleges and business organizations.

The survey involving 2,000 Britons between 14 to 21 years of age indicated that the absence of advance thinking prior to posting personal data on the Internet was an open invite to potential miscreants on the Net. About 66% of those surveyed would accept strangers as 'friends' during their visits to social networking sites and around 50% would allow their biographical sketches to remain publicly exposed with the idea of drawing the attention of new people. Some seven or more individuals out of ten would not bother that strangers could view their profiles and 7% wouldn't give much importance to privacy settings.

The study further found that 33% of young boys and girls have never gone through the privacy policies enumerated on the sites for social networking and they do not quite well know how to manage and keep their information safe. Yet, a major 95% of the surveyed expressed concern about Websites misusing their personal details to send them unsolicited advertisements or to share it with other Websites or organizations.

The survey alerts people that the type of content they add on Facebook, MySpace and similar sites could also make them vulnerable to identity theft.

Such alarming situations on the Net have prompted the ICO to issue a set of safety guidelines for young Internet users on www.ico.gov.uk/youngpeople, launched on November 23, 2007.

» SPAMfighter News - 12/5/2007