Photo by Alan Cleaver
Canadians are using online tools to share information like never before. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube – there is a plethora of social sharing services out there.
Social sharing helps us communicate and stay in touch with friends. Sharing of information and ideas has never been so easy and seamless. Unfortunately, communicating online can potentially pose significant privacy risks not only to the users but also their friends. Things like cyber bullying, identity theft and social engineering attacks are no longer just a threat – they are a reality now.
Considering that most of these online services apparently appeal the most to younger age groups, it is of paramount importance to educate today’s youth on how they can build a secure online identity and share information and ideas without jeopardizing their personal information.
In Canada, the Office of Privacy commissioner acts as an ombudsman and guardian of privacy. OPC has recently launched a tool to help teachers and community leaders educate young Canadians on ways and means to protect their privacy online, thus becoming responsible netizens of the future.
In my opinion this is a step in the right direction and will enable youth take advantage of all the benefits offered by the online world without exposing their or their friends’ personal information.
The youth presentation package released by OPC offers tools necessary to impart engaging and effective education.
Here’s a link to the youth privacy education tools released by OPC: http://www.youthprivacy.ca/en/9-12presentation.html
