Friday, November 26, 2010
Avoid the risks of Facebook - Nov. 26, 2010
Avoid the risks of Facebook - Nov. 26, 2010watch your accounts - your kids coule be clicking you out of house and home.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Just Ask Gemalto: Are there organizations that help kids cope with cyberbullies? - KansasCity.com
Just Ask Gemalto: Are there organizations that help kids cope with cyberbullies? - KansasCity.comwe also run stopcyberbullying.org and stopcyberbullying.com.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
KidZui - The Internet for Kids
KidZui - The Internet for KidsI love this product, especially its price - free!!! It's what parents ask for and kids love.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Amazon.com Irks Users Over Pedophile Guide Sale, Defends Move - Bloomberg
Amazon.com Irks Users Over Pedophile Guide Sale, Defends Move - BloombergWhile this one book seems clear cut objectionable, banning books has lots of issues beyond speech. the more we play this up in the media, the more books will be sold, the best way o bury it is never mention it again. no more comments, tags or media. let it die a slow and disgusting death.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Analyzing The Disturbing World Of ‘Sextortion’ « CBS New York – News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of NY
Analyzing The Disturbing World Of ‘Sextortion’ « CBS New York – News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of NYthere is more to a nude teen pic than just a nude teen pic.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Privacy endangered notion (page 2) | Otago Daily Times Online News Keep Up to Date Local, National New Zealand & International News
Privacy endangered notion (page 2) | Otago Daily Times Online News Keep Up to Date Local, National New Zealand & International NewsHere are my tips, quoted in several articles, to be careful about having someone videotape you without your permission:
Tips to avoid being a recorded target
Cyber-safety experts say there are steps you can take to protect yourself, including:
• Treat your cellphone and laptop like your cash card - keep them on you and in your sights at all times.
• Assume anyone holding a cellphone or other hand-held devices with photo capabilities may be taking your picture.
• Don't do anything in range of that camera that you don't want the world to see.
• Point web cameras up toward ceiling when not in use or close laptops with cameras.
• A camera on a laptop can be in use even if screen appears blank.
• Periodically use Google to search your name, your screen name or any other identifying information to ensure your image or information isn't being shared.
• The quicker you respond, the better chances you have that the images have not been copied.
Tips to avoid being a recorded target
Cyber-safety experts say there are steps you can take to protect yourself, including:
• Treat your cellphone and laptop like your cash card - keep them on you and in your sights at all times.
• Assume anyone holding a cellphone or other hand-held devices with photo capabilities may be taking your picture.
• Don't do anything in range of that camera that you don't want the world to see.
• Point web cameras up toward ceiling when not in use or close laptops with cameras.
• A camera on a laptop can be in use even if screen appears blank.
• Periodically use Google to search your name, your screen name or any other identifying information to ensure your image or information isn't being shared.
• The quicker you respond, the better chances you have that the images have not been copied.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Arizona Distracted Driving Youth Summit - Home
Arizona Distracted Driving Youth Summit - HomeDistracted driving has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Americans. At this youth summit leadeing experts will engage young people in the discussion.
Send an email to info@protector.com and include the information below. Registration is extended to
November 1st but it will close sooner if we reach capacity so submit your application today!
• Name
• Age
• School and graduation year
• Phone
• Email address
• Mailing address, city, state, zip
• Notable extracurricular activities
• Notable academic achievements
• What makes you passionate about curbing
distracted driving?
• Briefly describe why you want to participate
in this summit
Why Attend The Summit?
The practice of distracted driving has become more than just a problem
among drivers in America; it has truly become an epidemic. Nearly 6,000 people
are killed every year in auto accidents caused by distracted driving, and the
number is growing. Teen drivers are at the highest risk in these types of
collisions, and it is time that as a society we take a stand against this deadly
problem.
TASER International has heard the call to action from the collective voice
of society (Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation; Oprah Winfrey, cultural
icon; etc.) and is taking a lead in aggregating and amplifying the efforts of
industry and advocacy alike to protect the lives of everyone on the road. We
have realized, however, that there is no silver bullet to solve this problem. It will
require a deliberate shift in the social consciousness by creating a stigma around
the act of distracted driving. Additionally, it will require technology solutions that
will both remove the temptation to become distracted behind the wheel and help
enforce the new rules of the road.
In order to cause a shift in the social consciousness, you must first raise
awareness of the problem and then promote the solutions to solve it. As the
highest risk drivers and the future of our roadways, there is no better place to
start than by engaging and educating young adults; and there is no one better to
build an awareness campaign that will resonate with teens than teens
themselves.
With this in mind, TASER is hosting the Arizona Distracted Driving Youth
Summit to expose a large group of passionate students to industry and subject
matter experts and then facilitate the creation of a distracted driving awareness
campaign designed by students, for students.
We hope you are able to attend the summit and join us in the fight against this
deadly epidemic.
For more information, please visit:
www.AZDDYS.com
Send an email to info@protector.com and include the information below. Registration is extended to
November 1st but it will close sooner if we reach capacity so submit your application today!
• Name
• Age
• School and graduation year
• Phone
• Email address
• Mailing address, city, state, zip
• Notable extracurricular activities
• Notable academic achievements
• What makes you passionate about curbing
distracted driving?
• Briefly describe why you want to participate
in this summit
Why Attend The Summit?
The practice of distracted driving has become more than just a problem
among drivers in America; it has truly become an epidemic. Nearly 6,000 people
are killed every year in auto accidents caused by distracted driving, and the
number is growing. Teen drivers are at the highest risk in these types of
collisions, and it is time that as a society we take a stand against this deadly
problem.
TASER International has heard the call to action from the collective voice
of society (Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation; Oprah Winfrey, cultural
icon; etc.) and is taking a lead in aggregating and amplifying the efforts of
industry and advocacy alike to protect the lives of everyone on the road. We
have realized, however, that there is no silver bullet to solve this problem. It will
require a deliberate shift in the social consciousness by creating a stigma around
the act of distracted driving. Additionally, it will require technology solutions that
will both remove the temptation to become distracted behind the wheel and help
enforce the new rules of the road.
In order to cause a shift in the social consciousness, you must first raise
awareness of the problem and then promote the solutions to solve it. As the
highest risk drivers and the future of our roadways, there is no better place to
start than by engaging and educating young adults; and there is no one better to
build an awareness campaign that will resonate with teens than teens
themselves.
With this in mind, TASER is hosting the Arizona Distracted Driving Youth
Summit to expose a large group of passionate students to industry and subject
matter experts and then facilitate the creation of a distracted driving awareness
campaign designed by students, for students.
We hope you are able to attend the summit and join us in the fight against this
deadly epidemic.
For more information, please visit:
www.AZDDYS.com
In a wired world, children unable to escape cyberbullying - CNN.com
In a wired world, children unable to escape cyberbullying - CNN.comCyberbullying starts young and lasts a lifetime.
Nude photos and cruel messages, teen digital dating abuse grows - CNN.com
Nude photos and cruel messages, teen digital dating abuse grows - CNN.comParry is on the advisory board of MTV's AThinLine and designed the love is not abuse digital dating abuse curriculum for Liz Claiborne. Privacy invasions, spying and harassment over who their partner talks to online or via text are the tools of a digital dating abusers campaign.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
iPhone app rates its users' ugliness
iPhone app rates its users' uglinessThese apps make cyberbullying a game. They may start as a joke, but quickly get out of control.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Regulator taking on cyberbullying in schools | Reuters
Regulator taking on cyberbullying in schools | ReutersFCC to tie funding to schools to cybersafety policies.
When 'sexting' leads to 'sextortion' | abc7.com
When 'sexting' leads to 'sextortion' | abc7.comthere is more to sexting than having your kids bare their "souls". now sexual predators use these images to blackmail the kids in the images into doing more or face exposure. (no pun intended).
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Facebook (14) | Don't Stand By, Stand Up
Facebook (14) | Don't Stand By, Stand Updon't just stand there. don't be a bystander. Don't Stand By, Stand Up! and be one of a million young people to take the bystander pledge to stop cyberbullying.
Draw Your Line
Draw Your LineAn amazing application where you can weigh in on what you are doing to stop cyberbullying. I am honored ot be one of the MTV advisory board members on this project, which was sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Make a mark. Make a difference. Draw Your Line!
Alison Malmon: Fighting Bullying: Love Is Louder Than Just About Everything
Alison Malmon: Fighting Bullying: Love Is Louder Than Just About EverythingWhen it comes to addressing systemic and epidemic problems, joining forces is essential. This gorup and initiative is the next step in finding ways to support those targeted by bullies and helping stand up against bullies everywhere.
WiredSafety runs StopCyberbullying.org, the most popular cyberbullying website globally. Our new Don't Stand By, Stamd Up campaign is designed to get 1 million young people to take a pledge against standing by quietly while others are hurt online.
We are also thrilled to be working with such an incredible group of professionals with a passion to improve things for young people.
WiredSafety runs StopCyberbullying.org, the most popular cyberbullying website globally. Our new Don't Stand By, Stamd Up campaign is designed to get 1 million young people to take a pledge against standing by quietly while others are hurt online.
We are also thrilled to be working with such an incredible group of professionals with a passion to improve things for young people.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Google Admits Street View Cars Recorded Private Passwords, E-Mails; Promises to Delete Data - ABC News
Google Admits Street View Cars Recorded Private Passwords, E-Mails; Promises to Delete Data - ABC NewsGoogle's glitch is not uncommon. Large data-ricj companies often collect more than they mean to, and sometimes don't know that it has been collected. The good news is that when they don't know they have it, no one can misuse it. The bad thing is that it is collected and not carefully deleted or secured until it can be deleted.
Smaller companies can implicate feewer people, but often present additional risks of the data actually being used without anyone have the first idea about legal and ethical obligations on consent, security and compliance.
Google has vowed to delete tis data and do what all companies should do - a datamap and make sure that those who understand Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian's privacy by design framework are involved in privacy decisions and at the beginning of the engineering process, not as an after thought.
It is also turning to those of us in the policy, privacy and safety advocacy space to help them do a better job.
I don't think this is the sky falling, just a reminder that if you don't construct solid scaffolding, you may have a bucket or two fall on your head.
The proof will be in how Google executes on its promise to imporve privacy.
Smaller companies can implicate feewer people, but often present additional risks of the data actually being used without anyone have the first idea about legal and ethical obligations on consent, security and compliance.
Google has vowed to delete tis data and do what all companies should do - a datamap and make sure that those who understand Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian's privacy by design framework are involved in privacy decisions and at the beginning of the engineering process, not as an after thought.
It is also turning to those of us in the policy, privacy and safety advocacy space to help them do a better job.
I don't think this is the sky falling, just a reminder that if you don't construct solid scaffolding, you may have a bucket or two fall on your head.
The proof will be in how Google executes on its promise to imporve privacy.
Churches can help youth fight cyberbullies - UMC.org
Churches can help youth fight cyberbullies - UMC.orgFaith-based organizations are powerful forces against cyberbullying and bullying of all kinds. It's time that we arm them with the information they need and resources essential for them to deliver the message.
One correction to this article, however. All fifty states have one form of harassment law that covers cyberbullying activities that arise to criminal levels. and the federal cyberstalking law governs anonymous communications designed to annoy.
But criminal prosecutions are not the answer. Education, modelling and providing trained and trusted adults is.
One correction to this article, however. All fifty states have one form of harassment law that covers cyberbullying activities that arise to criminal levels. and the federal cyberstalking law governs anonymous communications designed to annoy.
But criminal prosecutions are not the answer. Education, modelling and providing trained and trusted adults is.
Kids & cell phones... 5 things to consider | desmoinesregister.com | The Des Moines Register
Kids & cell phones... 5 things to consider | desmoinesregister.com | The Des Moines RegisterA cellphone can be a lifeline for families, but set your rules before you give your kid carte blanche with an expensive and powerful device.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Internet 101 at Wired Safety – Bookmark It! « Media! Tech! Parenting!
Internet 101 at Wired Safety – Bookmark It! « Media! Tech! Parenting!nice blog with info about digital parenting issues.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Parenting, Part II: How closely should parents monitor teens online? - USATODAY.com
Parenting, Part II: How closely should parents monitor teens online? - USATODAY.comParry enjoyed helping with this USA Today piece. Common sense, regular kids and understanding the risks our children face, on a kid-by-kid basis will help us all do this cyberparenting better. Thanks Kim.
If only there were an 'un-send' button for sexting | StarTribune.com
If only there were an 'un-send' button for sexting | StarTribune.comSexting is often seen as a teen thing. But we are seeing it far more often with adults. Be careful about what you are doing that may impact your reputation, job, marriage and kids. Parry's been warning adults and teens alike - Don't Be Stupid!
Facebook Cracks Down On Cyber-Bullying - News Story - KTVU San Francisco
Facebook Cracks Down On Cyber-Bullying - News Story - KTVU San FranciscoGay, Lesbian, Bi, Transsexual and transgender teens are targeted horribly, online and offline, in far too many cases. But Facebook has committed to fighting cyberbullying not matter what the sexual preference, race, religion, national origin or any other underying excuse for cyberbullying. They were the first chart member of the StopCyberbullying Coalition and are working hard to stop harassment on their site.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ontario Amber Alert system reaches Facebook users - CTV News
Ontario Amber Alert system reaches Facebook users - CTV NewsOntario"s new Amber Alert official Facebook page went live Friday and already more than 55,000 people have fanned the page. While Parry and her husband, child safety advocate Allan McCullough, spearheaded this program (the first in the world), Facebook made it happen.
Great to hear good news!
Great to hear good news!
How to Reboot Your Reputation Online - ABC News
How to Reboot Your Reputation Online - ABC Newsyou can avoid becoming a victim online and avoid making it worse by reacting in ways that feed the bullies.
How Do You Stop Cybercruelty? Change Behavior, Attorney Says
How Do You Stop Cybercruelty? Change Behavior, Attorney Sayswe stopped littering, now wear seat belts, we drink and drive less often - why can't be turn this around and make it unacceptable to see cyberbullying and stand by or turn away.
Can laws catch up to online voyeurs?
Can laws catch up to online voyeurs?so many ways to be recorded when you think you're in private. although laws exist maingmuchof that illegal, enforcement is a big problem. Often you don't know about it until 50,000 of your nearest and dearest do too. Check out Parry's tips in this article, and be safer from spying eyes and devices.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
What about the other person in the Tyler Clementi video?
Ravi videotaped two people, not just Tyler. What about his rights? While not identified to the public, the man with Tyler has privacy rights too. And these were equally violated by the illegal surveillance video.
What are your rights of privacy these days?
BusinessIn Florida, both sides of a conversation have to consent to recordings of that conversation. You have more and better rights of privacy in Florida than in most states that only require one consent.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Dr. Phil- Show October 7th
Dr. Phil announces his anti-bullying movement with Parryback to back against the Tyler Clementi/ when bullying kills show, and recorded in advance of this latest round of cyberbullying suicide, this show helps give everyone a role in stopping cyberbullying. Join us, watch the show.
Thursday - October 7, 2010
The Anti-Bully Movement
Dr. Phil is fed up with teens being terrorized — both in the schoolyard and online — and he’s putting bullies on notice! This summer, he took battle against cyber bullies before Congress, and now he’s kicking off his own Anti-Bully Movement. Learn how cyber bullying is affecting 12-year-old Dara, and why her mom, Toni, fears the tween may harm herself if she doesn’t get help. Then, hear why Michael, a self-proclaimed cyber bully, defends his keyboard antics. Plus, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy weighs in on bullying and cyber bullying and what can be done about this growing epidemic, and Parry Aftab, executive director and founder of StopCyberBullying.org, shares tips to keep your kids safe. Join the movement, and take Dr. Phil’s pledge to fight the abuse!
Thursday - October 7, 2010
The Anti-Bully Movement
Dr. Phil is fed up with teens being terrorized — both in the schoolyard and online — and he’s putting bullies on notice! This summer, he took battle against cyber bullies before Congress, and now he’s kicking off his own Anti-Bully Movement. Learn how cyber bullying is affecting 12-year-old Dara, and why her mom, Toni, fears the tween may harm herself if she doesn’t get help. Then, hear why Michael, a self-proclaimed cyber bully, defends his keyboard antics. Plus, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy weighs in on bullying and cyber bullying and what can be done about this growing epidemic, and Parry Aftab, executive director and founder of StopCyberBullying.org, shares tips to keep your kids safe. Join the movement, and take Dr. Phil’s pledge to fight the abuse!
Dr. Phil.com - Show October 6th
Dr. Phil ShowOctober 6th watch Dr Phil on the Tyler Clementi case and other cyberbullying suicide cases, especially the hate directed against gay, lesbian, trans gender, bu and questioning youth. Nina Montgomery, one of Parry's Teenangels trained in cyberbullying prevention and a classmate of Tyler's at Ridgewood High School, announces her Dont Stand By, Stand Up campaign on Facebook to get youth to report cyberbullying when they see it and stand up against hate and torment. Universities across the US are joining the effort along with high schools. Join. Watxh the show. Be inspired.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Facebook (3) | Don't Stand By, Stand Up
Facebook (3) | Don't Stand By, Stand UpFor Tyler Clementi and others like him who faaced harassment at the hands of others online. Join us. Change things for the better. Don't stand by, stand up!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Victim of Secret Dorm Sex Tape Commits Suicide - ABC News
Victim of Secret Dorm Sex Tape Commits Suicide - ABC NewsTyler was a gifted musician, a popular student at Ridgewood High School and loved by many. Several of Parry's Teenangels were in his class in Ridgewood and are greiving for this kind, gentle and talented young man.
What happened to him is inacceptable. People who knew the Rutger students charged with the privacy offenses said they were good kids too. What happens to "good kids" smart enough to get into Rutgers to cause them to think it's acceptabe to do what they were charged with doing?
Parry's getting tired analyzing why teens are targeting each other and having it end in death. How do we stop this? Teens who knew Tyler are organizing teen initiatives to "step up and speak out!"
Join the movement.
this can never happen again. But Parry says that every time it happens.
When will this stop?
What happened to him is inacceptable. People who knew the Rutger students charged with the privacy offenses said they were good kids too. What happens to "good kids" smart enough to get into Rutgers to cause them to think it's acceptabe to do what they were charged with doing?
Parry's getting tired analyzing why teens are targeting each other and having it end in death. How do we stop this? Teens who knew Tyler are organizing teen initiatives to "step up and speak out!"
Join the movement.
this can never happen again. But Parry says that every time it happens.
When will this stop?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
My son and the song he chose for us to dance to at his wedding Saturday...
Just when you have finally decided they have moved on and don't remember all we went through raising them, loving them and letting go.
My Wish lyrics
Songwriters: Steele, Jeffrey; Robson, Steve;
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you're faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin' ?til you find the window
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish
I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you and the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you'd find God's grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish, yeah yeah
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish
(My wish for you)
This is my wish
(My wish for you)
I hope you know somebody loves you
(My wish for you)
May all your dreams stay big
(My wish for you)
My Wish lyrics
Songwriters: Steele, Jeffrey; Robson, Steve;
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you're faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin' ?til you find the window
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish
I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you and the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you'd find God's grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish, yeah yeah
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish
(My wish for you)
This is my wish
(My wish for you)
I hope you know somebody loves you
(My wish for you)
May all your dreams stay big
(My wish for you)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Getting Friendly With Facebook | Technically Speaking | Real Simple
Getting Friendly With Facebook | Technically Speaking | Real SimpleParry Aftab advises Real Simple readers about Facebook and teacher communications.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Software maker secretly sold children's chats to marketers, NY AG says
Software maker secretly sold children's chats to marketers, NY AG saysIt is not only the amount of money that Echometrix made by selling children's private communications and information to advertisers. The fact that they were scanning private communications is itself a privacy violation - a serious one.
I will press the FTC to take federal action here as well, and hope that class action lawyers succeed in making sure that echometrix is an example to any company that even thinks about violating privacy of our children and families.
I will press the FTC to take federal action here as well, and hope that class action lawyers succeed in making sure that echometrix is an example to any company that even thinks about violating privacy of our children and families.
Parents, Kids, and Facebook! | Manila Bulletin
Parents, Kids, and Facebook! | Manila BulletinParents and teachers have questions. Parry helps Real Simple Magazine answer them.
Beyond Craigslist, Many Markets For Sex Traffickers : NPR
Beyond Craigslist, Many Markets For Sex Traffickers : NPRIn the years WiredSafety has been working with Craigslist I have found them to be honest, willing to assist law enforcement and safety organizations and utterly opposed to sexual exploitation of any kind. I fear this recent campaign is a result of their lack of media/political experience more than their actual practices.
Tens of millions of users buy and sell homes, rent and share apratments, hire and seek jobs and look for and offer household items and cars. I would hate for this to blind regulators and the public to the value and utility of craigslist and the vision of Craig Newmark.
my 2 cents
Tens of millions of users buy and sell homes, rent and share apratments, hire and seek jobs and look for and offer household items and cars. I would hate for this to blind regulators and the public to the value and utility of craigslist and the vision of Craig Newmark.
my 2 cents
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
WiredKids, Online Safety For Kids and Teens! - Servous The Rescue Dog, By Parry Aftab
WiredKids, Online Safety For Kids and Teens! - Servous The Rescue Dog, By Parry Aftab Parry wrote this book shortly following the Sept 11th attacks to help children worldlwide find hope and understanding.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Detecting, Fighting Cyberbullying of Kids, Teens - The Early Show - CBS News
Detecting, Fighting Cyberbullying of Kids, Teens - The Early Show - CBS NewsI love when Rachel Simmons and I are included in the same article. She is an expert and a researcher I admire in this field where too often pundits make it up as they go along.
Her new book, The Curse of the Good Girl is a terrific guide to girls in this digital generation.
Her new book, The Curse of the Good Girl is a terrific guide to girls in this digital generation.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Internet Intervention: Keeping Your Kids Safe on the Web
Internet Intervention: Keeping Your Kids Safe on the WebMorning Joe hostess, Mika, calls Parry Aftab for help. See what advice Parry had for her and her two tweens/teens.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Parry on the Today Show with Matt Lauer on Sextortion
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Feds, experts: Racy photos on cell phones, computers leads to rise in teen 'sextortion' - WDAF
Feds, experts: Racy photos on cell phones, computers leads to rise in teen 'sextortion' - WDAFteens are vulnerable to "sextortion" when their sexting images end up in the wrong hands.
The Associated Press: Feds: Online 'sextortion' of teens on the rise
The Associated Press: Feds: Online sextortion of teens on the riseThe people sextorting these kids are breaking serious laws governing sexual exploitation of minors. Serious charges for a serious crime. Few teens understand this is a risk of sexting. Check out athinline.org.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
U.S. Education Secretary to Keynote Department's First-Ever Bullying Summit | U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Education Secretary to Keynote Department's First-Ever Bullying Summit | U.S. Department of EducationParry was one of the select invited experts to this first ever US government bullying and cyberbullying conference.
It was an amazing array of education, safety, policy, health and wellness, research and young experts in the field.
Parry will post the Secretary of Education's speech when she returns home.
This just reminds us of the value of collaborations, thinking outside of the box and bringing different stakeholders together.
It was an amazing array of education, safety, policy, health and wellness, research and young experts in the field.
Parry will post the Secretary of Education's speech when she returns home.
This just reminds us of the value of collaborations, thinking outside of the box and bringing different stakeholders together.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Rest in Peace Senator Stevens
It is with deepest sadness that we announce the death of Senator Ted Stevens in a plane crash. He was a good friend to children, to the citizens of Alaska and to the entire United States. We will remember him as a deeply devoted grandfather who wore a Hulk tie whenever he took on adversaries in the Senate. At a large reception he hosted for us at the Senate, Marvel Comics characters, including his beloved Hulk, handled a cyber crime with the help of the Senator. He should be remembered for all the good he did and all those whose lives he touched. WiredSafety, WiredTrust, Teenangels, and Parry personally send our prayers and sympathies to his family and his friends at this time of loss.
Rest in peace.
-Parry
Rest in peace.
-Parry
Monday, August 09, 2010
Formspring's anonymous questions raise a few in age of cyberbullies | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Personal Technology | Dallas Business News
Formspring's anonymous questions raise a few in age of cyberbullies | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Personal Technology | Dallas Business NewsMore schools complain to us about Formspring.me than any other single site. Teachers blame it for the bulk of cyberbullying attacks.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Disney.com | Guest Services | Internet Safety
Disney.com | Guest Services | Internet Safetyeveryone loves Disney. But when was the last time you checked out what they are doing to help families stay safer online? Here's a Designing Spaces piece Parry Aftab did with Disney Online.
New Jersey teen charged with cyber-bullying | 7online.com
New Jersey teen charged with cyber-bullying | 7online.comdoes jail threats work in cyberbullying?
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Hunterdon online bullying case is a crime, High Bridge chief says | NJ.com
Hunterdon online bullying case is a crime, High Bridge chief says | NJ.comit is still very unusual for teens to be charged with a crime when cyberbullying is implicated, unless there are threats of serious bodily harm or property destruction. Interestingly enough, now far away, in Warren Township, teens were charged with cyberharassment about 8 years ago in one of the first criminal cases of cyberbullying in the US. Visit stopcyberbullying.org for info on cyberbullying.
On Facebook, wife learns of husband's 2nd wedding - Local News - Anchorage, AK - Anchorage - msnbc.com
On Facebook, wife learns of husband's 2nd wedding - Local News - Anchorage, AK - Anchorage - msnbc.comOne of the best recommendations for using privacy settings. :-)
On Facebook, wife learns of husband's 2nd wedding
On Facebook, wife learns of husband's 2nd weddingYou can't hide things, eventually cheating, bigamy, lying, fraud will leak out online. Don't do the crime if you don't want to do the time.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
YouTube - CARUSelfRegulation's Channel
YouTube - CARUSelfRegulation's ChannelThere are some great new resources being produced by non-traditional cybersafety groups. here's one from the CARU.
Video: The Middle School Years: Perspectives from Teens and Parents | SchoolSourceNYC
Video: The Middle School Years: Perspectives from Teens and Parents | SchoolSourceNYCWhat can parents learn about the challenges their teens and tweens face in middle school? This video commissioned by NY City Schools together with some amazing partners with a little help from Parry explore middle school years.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Vengeful online sex ads take growing toll - The Red Tape Chronicles - msnbc.com
Vengeful online sex ads take growing toll - The Red Tape Chronicles - msnbc.comA good reminder to everyone that we are all vulnerable online if someone cares enough to hurt you. The laws are getting better, and if someone implicates others, or someone is underage and being targeted, the FBI may get involved quickly.
The secret? Be careful, google, bing and yahoo! yourself, get emotional and legal help.
In particular, I wanted to give Craig at Craigslist lots of credit here. They are quick to respond and care a great deal.
Be careful out there!
The secret? Be careful, google, bing and yahoo! yourself, get emotional and legal help.
In particular, I wanted to give Craig at Craigslist lots of credit here. They are quick to respond and care a great deal.
Be careful out there!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Facebook | Facebook Safety Page - brand new!
Facebook | Facebook SafetyCheck out Facebook'snew safety pages. "Like" them and spread the word! an incredible team of developers, policy people and editorial staff to create this along with the other safety advisory board members and those of us at wiredsafety and stopcyberbullying.org.
It helps show how much Facebook is putting into making their user-experience and that of parents of teen users easier and better. While Facebook has always worked on providing safer technologies, empowering users, their friends and their families is the only way to keep everyone safe, private and secure online.
It helps show how much Facebook is putting into making their user-experience and that of parents of teen users easier and better. While Facebook has always worked on providing safer technologies, empowering users, their friends and their families is the only way to keep everyone safe, private and secure online.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Historic Home For Sale
Historic Home For SaleI know I don't usually advertise historic houses that are for sale, but love this house so much I thought I would share it. It's in Canada, in a little historic community in New Brunswick (above Maine). I have loved this home for years and if I didn't already have too many, would buy it in a heartbeat!)
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Bullied teen told school official about abuse one week before suicide - The Globe and Mail
Bullied teen told school official about abuse one week before suicide - The Globe and MailHaving spoken to one of the world's leading bullying experts, I learned that this is not an isolated case in that school district and that the school authorities had been advised about the need ot take action in earlier bullying campaigns but failed to do so.
As supportive as I am of schools and the challenges they face, when a school district learns of a persistent problem affecting the safety and wellbeing of their students and fails to follow advice they received to address those risks, heads should roll.
As supportive as I am of schools and the challenges they face, when a school district learns of a persistent problem affecting the safety and wellbeing of their students and fails to follow advice they received to address those risks, heads should roll.
Publication ban in Facebook bullying case remains in place - The Globe and Mail
Publication ban in Facebook bullying case remains in place - The Globe and MailIt's sad that for a minor to succeed in protecting her reputation from cyberbullies spreading vicious rumors, she has to go public in a big way with those rumors...giving them added life.
Klobuchar letter to Facebook CEO on child protection (updated) | StarTribune.com
Klobuchar letter to Facebook CEO on child protection (updated) | StarTribune.comIt is impossible to explain complicated campaigns in a quick sound byte. The "panic button" isn't a 911/999 link (they use 999 in the UK, instead of 911). The Senator cares about protecting all kids online, especially those in Minnesota. I fly out tomorrow to Palo Alto for our first face-to-face safety advisory board meeting (it takes FOREVER to get five top charity heads to agree on a date we can all convene in one place).
We have lots of plans and have to finalize things already in progress. But we're getting there.
We have lots of plans and have to finalize things already in progress. But we're getting there.
Facebook Launching Pedophile 'Panic Button' in UK
Facebook Launching Pedophile 'Panic Button' in UKI wish we could rename this as a "link to cybersafety information and law enforcement contact information." It's not a "panic button" or link to 911/999. But it s a great way to share important information and access to some terrific Internet safety tips.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Facebook Launching Pedophile 'Panic Button' in UK
Facebook Launching Pedophile 'Panic Button' in UKthe power of apps to allow effective comunications and to change the world just a bit is the real success here. Jim Gamble's goal, to make sure that Facebook's users have access to his terrific CEOP resources no longer requires lots of negotiaions, just forwarding thinking and the creative use of apps. Facebook created the app for CEOP, and I was thrilled to have a role in it. A win/win.
ESRB unintentionally exposes email addresses of people who filed complaints over Blizzard's Real ID system
ESRB unintentionally exposes email addresses of people who filed complaints over Blizzards Real ID systemI was not a fan of Blizzard's decision to require users use their real names when engaging with the site. But this exposure was disappointing to say the least.The ESRB was a safe harbor under COPPA, protecting privacy.
Friday, July 09, 2010
Blizzard: Thou Shalt Be Anonymous No Longer - PCWorld
Blizzard: Thou Shalt Be Anonymous No Longer - PCWorldBlizzard's approach to handling trolls and cyberharassment is to make sure that everyone is identified on their network. A good initial approach, but not perfect. While I think Blizzard has been doing a very good job addressing harassment and trolls on their networks, by requiring everyone to identify with their true identity (if tied to a paid account), there is no longer anonymity for people who enjoy gaming and not bothering anyone else. There is a lot more here, but wanted to post it to make sure everyone esees it, before I have a chance to comment in detail.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Emotional Troubles for 'Cyberbullies' and Victims
Emotional Troubles for Cyberbullies and VictimsFew people realize how serious an emotional problem cyberbullying is. It is persistent, often anonymous and can come at your from thousands of directions 24/7. This is a welcome research project and one I will support.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Porn's New Domain is Good News | News & Opinion | PCMag.com
Porn's New Domain is Good News | News & Opinion | PCMag.comMore Opinion: Rather than argue about what .XXX is,or is meant to be, it is an opportunity. No one expects theadult industry to give up their .com's for a .xxx. I fully expect that they will buy their brands in all domains, as they always have. And parental controls will block porn effectively, as they always have. This won't ghettoize adult content, nor will it make it possible to block all adult content.
But, it can address other important issues. Privacy - the non-profit that will oversee the rules governing .XXX from a multi-stakeholder perspective can require that member sites create strong privacy practices to make sure that the personal information (including financial information) of users is not voluntarily shared with third parties. Security - making sure that the same information is not involutarily released or made accessible due to faulty security means and technologies. Child sexual exploitation - while the US Constitution and many non-US regulatory schemes permit images of adults who appear to be minors engaged in sexual conduct or in the nude posed in lewd ways, .XXX can set rules about images which exploit children or appear to.
.XXX can be about best practices, protecting their users' data and security and about children. And it can do it without requiring all adult sites to move to .XXX as their sole domains. And can require all the .XXX domain holders use tags that make it easier for parental control providers to screen them out.
It may not address everything that all stakeholders hope or fear it does, but it moves us forward just a little. We have to think outside of the box here. Our kids and our privacy need help.
Parry
But, it can address other important issues. Privacy - the non-profit that will oversee the rules governing .XXX from a multi-stakeholder perspective can require that member sites create strong privacy practices to make sure that the personal information (including financial information) of users is not voluntarily shared with third parties. Security - making sure that the same information is not involutarily released or made accessible due to faulty security means and technologies. Child sexual exploitation - while the US Constitution and many non-US regulatory schemes permit images of adults who appear to be minors engaged in sexual conduct or in the nude posed in lewd ways, .XXX can set rules about images which exploit children or appear to.
.XXX can be about best practices, protecting their users' data and security and about children. And it can do it without requiring all adult sites to move to .XXX as their sole domains. And can require all the .XXX domain holders use tags that make it easier for parental control providers to screen them out.
It may not address everything that all stakeholders hope or fear it does, but it moves us forward just a little. We have to think outside of the box here. Our kids and our privacy need help.
Parry
Sexual Assault via Internet - PCWorld
Sexual Assault via Internet - PCWorldextortion is extorition, whether it is becassue of information found online or offline. Multiple laws were broken, and no new ones need to be written.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Hearings | Committee on Education and Labor
Hearings | Committee on Education and LaborParry Aftab to testify at June 24th Congressional Hearing on cybersafety and cyberbullying, along with Dr. Phil, Dave Finnegan (Build-A-Bear Workshop's Chief Technology "Bear"), a child psychiatrist, principal and a member of Parry's Girl Scout cybersafety initiative, LMK.GirlScouts.org.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Video: NYC schools seek to ban 'sexting' Video
Video: NYC schools seek to ban sexting Video Parry comments on the new proposed rules for NY City schools.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Supreme Court rules on employer monitoring of cellphone, computer conversations
Supreme Court rules on employer monitoring of cellphone, computer conversationsThis decision was not a surprise. The law has been clear for many years that employers may monitor employee's communications when company evices and technologies are in use. What created the controversy here was an "informal" unwritten policy that could have supported the finding that the police department employer, in this case, waived the right to monitor communications.
The lesson? If you are monitoring, let your emplopyees know and remind that about personal use and your ability to view personal communications if they use your equipment. And don't be put in the position of someone claiming an "informal" policy overwrites your formal one.
The lesson? If you are monitoring, let your emplopyees know and remind that about personal use and your ability to view personal communications if they use your equipment. And don't be put in the position of someone claiming an "informal" policy overwrites your formal one.
A fatal case of bullying: 'If only he'd known how much he mattered' | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram
A fatal case of bullying: 'If only he'd known how much he mattered' | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday TelegramI am not aware of allegations of cyberbullying involving Alex. But these are becoming too common and are heartbreaking.
Monday, June 14, 2010
7th Annual E-Commerce Best Practices Conference | Agenda
7th Annual E-Commerce Best Practices Conference | AgendaParry moderates the online safety panel at Stanford June 25th.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
STOP cyberbullying: Cyberbullying - what it is, how it works and how to understand and deal with cyberbullies
STOP cyberbullying: Cyberbullying - what it is, how it works and how to understand and deal with cyberbulliesthe world's most popular cyberbullying website was created by Parry and is run by WiredSafety.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Contending with COPPA Confusion
Contending with COPPA Confusionten years ago we discussed COPPA confusion, yet 10 years later confusion remains.
Yahoo! Gives Parents a B+ for Taking Action to Protect Children Online - MarketWatch
Yahoo! Gives Parents a B+ for Taking Action to Protect Children Online - MarketWatchParry is calling for all families to use this opportunity to chat about safer and more responsible use of digital technologies. With our active wiredmoms program (follow them at wiredmom on twitter), we find many moms are the day-to-day experts for their kids online. Yesterday,some middle schoolers in Queens, NY told Parry that they trusted their moms to help them make the right decisions. "My mom knows me more than I know me," one student told her. All moms (and dads) should take the time with their kids this weekend to Yahoo! themselves and their kids. They should put in their full names in quotes (like "Parry Aftab"), and separately search for their cell numbers, addresses, email addresses and screen names, along with anything else that identifies them. Set an alert for each, as well, to give you an early warning system of too much info or early cyberbullying attacks. Search Facebook as well, adjusting your search privacy settings to keep certain information from being searched and check-out Facebook's new and easier privacy choices. If you find something that shouldn't be out there, ask the site or individual to remove it. If you need help, visit WiredSafety.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Monday, June 07, 2010
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
How to Secure Your Facebook Account - Spending - Technology - SmartMoney.com
How to Secure Your Facebook Account - Spending - Technology - SmartMoney.comThink in 3s - open, friends of friends and friends only.
Facebook's new privacy settings are fully adaptable to whatever you want. But most of us want it to be made easier with default settings in place that approximate our needs. Facebook has treid to design this, and done a pretty good job (IMHO). They have broken the information into three groups (see above). What they think everyone can see, and do see unless you change your settings from the default, name and status (back to this later). What you don't want the world to see, but are okay with letting the friends of your friends see - pics, postings, etc. and private things that only your friends can see - contact info and sensitive info.
I think this works and will be a big help, with one exception - status updates.
Status updates are used in different ways by different people and by different demographic groups. Some use it like a mini-twitter post - a short public-facing announcement to promote a cause, message, etc. Others use it as a group text - to their friends and family. "Going to the mall, see you there at 4pm"
Teens use it that way. Seniors often do, as well as "newbies." I would have liked ot see this defaulted at minimum "friends of friends." But there is an easy fix - change that one setting.
the next time (or first time) you change your status, once the settings are in effect, you'll get a warning "are you sure you want this to be made open to the world?" or some equivalent. When you see that, change your settings if you want them more private.
simpler than you thought!
Facebook's new privacy settings are fully adaptable to whatever you want. But most of us want it to be made easier with default settings in place that approximate our needs. Facebook has treid to design this, and done a pretty good job (IMHO). They have broken the information into three groups (see above). What they think everyone can see, and do see unless you change your settings from the default, name and status (back to this later). What you don't want the world to see, but are okay with letting the friends of your friends see - pics, postings, etc. and private things that only your friends can see - contact info and sensitive info.
I think this works and will be a big help, with one exception - status updates.
Status updates are used in different ways by different people and by different demographic groups. Some use it like a mini-twitter post - a short public-facing announcement to promote a cause, message, etc. Others use it as a group text - to their friends and family. "Going to the mall, see you there at 4pm"
Teens use it that way. Seniors often do, as well as "newbies." I would have liked ot see this defaulted at minimum "friends of friends." But there is an easy fix - change that one setting.
the next time (or first time) you change your status, once the settings are in effect, you'll get a warning "are you sure you want this to be made open to the world?" or some equivalent. When you see that, change your settings if you want them more private.
simpler than you thought!
VH1.com : Paramore : Hayley Williams Twitpic: Internet Security Expert Offers Advice On Protection - Rhapsody Music Downloads
VH1.com : Paramore : Hayley Williams Twitpic: Internet Security Expert Offers Advice On Protection - Rhapsody Music DownloadsIf you're a celebrity or VIP, you should know about the growing number of certified celebrity and VIP programs offered by the social network and technology providers. If they are working with me, or hold the upcoming "Socially Safe" best practices seal, they have to put a program in place to authenticate celebrities and VIPs, and help users and celebs alike know who is real and who is a poser.
if you're a celeb or VIP, reach out to wiredtrust.com. If you're a user and don't know if someone who claims to be whoopi goldberg or justin timberlake is real, ask the site to do what's right...
if you're a celeb or VIP, reach out to wiredtrust.com. If you're a user and don't know if someone who claims to be whoopi goldberg or justin timberlake is real, ask the site to do what's right...
Put off by prying eyes, people push for more privacy online
Put off by prying eyes, people push for more privacy onlineIt's a good time ot start thinking about your privacy. Instead of boycotting Facebook, why not use that day to figure out your friends online, your settings and what you really use FB for? Mark announced three settings, by default. Open to the world - name and status, friends of friends - pics, tags, writings on your wall, etc. and closed to friends only - contact info - cell, email, etc.
I think these are a good start. I am not crazy about having your status made public by default, especially for teens, but you can easily change that.
I think these are a good start. I am not crazy about having your status made public by default, especially for teens, but you can easily change that.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Facebook Privacy Announcement
this afternoon est Facebook will announce changes affecting privacy.
These should be very welcome changes.
if you have a facebook account ( more than 400 million do!)log in later today and view your choices and take time to figure out what you want and how to implement it.
It is and always should be about choice and user empowerment.
These should be very welcome changes.
if you have a facebook account ( more than 400 million do!)log in later today and view your choices and take time to figure out what you want and how to implement it.
It is and always should be about choice and user empowerment.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The world experts Parry Aftab and Tanya Byron will participate in the International Conference on Digital Citizenship ‹ I Congreso Internacional Ciudadanía Digital
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Agenda ‹ I Congreso Internacional Ciudadanía Digital
Agenda ‹ I Congreso Internacional Ciudadanía Digitalthe San Sebastian, Spain conference on cybersafety and cyberbullying.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Password Protection: How to Protect Keep Hackers Out of Your Email - ABC News
Password Protection: How to Protect Keep Hackers Out of Your Email - ABC NewsAre you using one fo the 20 questions to choose your password? President OBama did on his twitter account (his dog's name). Sarah Palin did too.
Portada Colpisa Clasico
Portada Colpisa Clasicothe Spanish conference on cyberbullying - Parry will keynote in Spain, May 21st. Her first book for cyberbullying was written and published just for Spain in 2004.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Facebook Dangers: Site Upgrades Safety Measures, Rejects Panic Button - ABC News
Facebook Dangers: Site Upgrades Safety Measures, Rejects Panic Button - ABC NewsIt's sad that when tragic things happen to young people, everyone points fingers. They don't have to make sense, or be valid, but everyone is looking for someone to blame. I have a great deal of respect for CEOP and Jim Gambler personally, but here I think they are being unfair and unfounded. Their "panic" button isn't a cyber911 link. It, instead connects you to their internet safety materials. While good materials, so are those used by Facebook which recruited 5 of the world's leading cyebrsafety charities, including the one I run - WiredSafety, to donate our expertise and resources to build a collaborative safety center. The CEOP page linked ot from the button has links to UK law enforcement pages and makes it easier to find contact info. But it doesn't evenhave a link to "Protecting yourself from sexual predators online," or anything along those lines.
The "panic" button that Gamble claims could have made a difference here was actually used on MSN, where Ashleigh and her killer held most of their communications before meeting, the rape and the murder. If it would have worked to prevent her from meeting him offline, she would still be alive and well.
There is no one button, one approach or silver bullet. To suggest otherwise is unfair to parents, families and may even make people less safe as they think one button can protect young people from registered and convicted sex offenders on the loose.
That takes education, support of friends and family, and providing help when needed.
The "panic" button that Gamble claims could have made a difference here was actually used on MSN, where Ashleigh and her killer held most of their communications before meeting, the rape and the murder. If it would have worked to prevent her from meeting him offline, she would still be alive and well.
There is no one button, one approach or silver bullet. To suggest otherwise is unfair to parents, families and may even make people less safe as they think one button can protect young people from registered and convicted sex offenders on the loose.
That takes education, support of friends and family, and providing help when needed.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
«La mejor arma contra el ciberacoso es una cena en familia». diariovasco.com
«La mejor arma contra el ciberacoso es una cena en familia». diariovasco.comParry to speak at major cyberbullying congress in Spain, as a follow up to her previous speaking at EU congresses in Spain on cybersafety and youth.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
NewsFactor Network | Facebook Revamps Safety Center for Young Users
NewsFactor Network | Facebook Revamps Safety Center for Young UsersFacebook has begun building out their safety pages, first with their safety advisory board and next with others who have things to share.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Driven to Distraction - Series - The New York Times
Driven to Distraction - Series - The New York TimesThis article earned a Pulitzer prize for the journalists. It's a very important issue.
IT News Online > - - Facebook and Its Safety Advisory Board Launch Robust New Safety Center
IT News Online > - - Facebook and Its Safety Advisory Board Launch Robust New Safety CenterWiredsafety is one of the Facebook safety advisory board members.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Court filing reveals taunted teen's anguish in final hours - CNN.com
Court filing reveals taunted teen's anguish in final hours - CNN.comWhen we talk about cyberharassment and cyberbullying, or even real life harassment and bullying, many adults dont understand the scope of the torment and pain. This investigation shares the final hours of Phoebe Prince before her tragic suicide.
A tragic story of a young female sheriffs officer killed while suspected of texting while driving
toledoblade.com -- The Blade ~ Toledo OhioWiredSafety and Parry will be devoting a great deal of time to this issue. Our Teenangels research discloses that teens driving with other teens who are texting while driving is common. They report that their parents often text and drive as well.
A new product, PROTECTOR by Taser, is being finalized that helps address distracted driving risks and gives parents better control over their young teen's and preteen's cell phone use.
A new product, PROTECTOR by Taser, is being finalized that helps address distracted driving risks and gives parents better control over their young teen's and preteen's cell phone use.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Monday, April 05, 2010
Unvarnished: Person reviews or trollfest? | Molly Rants - CNET News
Unvarnished: Person reviews or trollfest? | Molly Rants - CNET Newswhat should and can a site do to operate responsibly in the reputation world?
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Facebook 'Rager' Causes $45,000 in Damage|NewsChannel 8
Rager Causes $45,000 in Damage|NewsChannel 8 Teens use the info they found online about parents being away to plan a party and trash the house.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Mad as Hell...
This case of Phoebe Prince's harassment and the school's failure to respond to reports and witnessing of the harassment is troubling. It is also my new passion. I always defend schools, often forced to do Herculean tasks with minimsule budgets. But all evidence points to the fact that the school knew and did nothing to stop the harassment of this young teen.
Schools need ot know what to do, before we can blame them. But I understand that they had brought in Barbara Collaruso to advise them and do assemblies. They should have known what to do. Is it the popularity and the athletic success of the students charged with the harassment that kept them from acting?
The DA is doing a terrific job so far. She approached this using the latest methods of charging cyberbullying and bullying, civil rights claims, as well as those traditionally used. She is serious and it shows. I understand that she and many of the state police investigators had attended South Hadley schools when they were younger. I support her in approaching this. It is hard and troublesome. People will criticize her form both sides. But, as I learned in law school - if both sides are unhappy, you're probably being fair.
my 2 cents
Parry
Schools need ot know what to do, before we can blame them. But I understand that they had brought in Barbara Collaruso to advise them and do assemblies. They should have known what to do. Is it the popularity and the athletic success of the students charged with the harassment that kept them from acting?
The DA is doing a terrific job so far. She approached this using the latest methods of charging cyberbullying and bullying, civil rights claims, as well as those traditionally used. She is serious and it shows. I understand that she and many of the state police investigators had attended South Hadley schools when they were younger. I support her in approaching this. It is hard and troublesome. People will criticize her form both sides. But, as I learned in law school - if both sides are unhappy, you're probably being fair.
my 2 cents
Parry
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
South Florida - Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade breaking news, sports, weather, traffic, hurricane coverage, restaurants, jobs, real estate, classifieds and consumer help -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
South Florida - Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade breaking news, sports, weather, traffic, hurricane coverage, restaurants, jobs, real estate, classifieds and consumer help -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.commpther speak about her daughter's attack. gag order in effect on sheriff and defense counsel
Classmates at Deerfield Beach High School show sympathy for beating suspect - Sun Sentinel
Classmates at Deerfield Beach High School show sympathy for beating suspect - Sun Sentinelteen attacked after she sent text messages to a boy telling him he shouldn't be seeing her thirteen yr old friend and disparaging him and his familt - referencing his brother's suicide. Teen in critical condition.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Social Networking: Be Careful What You Share - ABC News
Social Networking: Be Careful What You Share - ABC NewsParry talks about real life security risks of bloggin, tweeting or statusing too much.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Teaser – amFIX - CNN.com Blogs
The Teaser – amFIX - CNN.com BlogsParry and Law Professor discuss sexting law
Lawmakers Propose New Sexting Law For Ohio - Cincinnati breaking news, weather radar, traffic from 9News | Channel 9 WCPO.com
Lawmakers Propose New Sexting Law For Ohio - Cincinnati breaking news, weather radar, traffic from 9News | Channel 9 WCPO.comOhio has proposed a new approach to sexting cases. Parry Aftab supports the Ohio approach.
About.com: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/01/Lawyer-wants-federal-sexting-law/UPI-79331238644351/
About.com: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/01/Lawyer-wants-federal-sexting-law/UPI-79331238644351/Parry Aftab seeks common sense when consensual sexting is discovered but not used ot harass the person in the image.
US 3rd Circuit Ct of Appeals rules against prosecutor in sexting cases
to read the decision: http://www.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/092144p.pdf
Parry Aftab to appear on CNN International March 22nd at 1:15pm est to discuss censorship online
What is the right role for governments when it comes to controlling information among their citizens? Is China's stance reasonable or realistic? Is Google's response to China's actions reasonable or effective?
Parry Aftab to appear on American Morning CNN 6:30am March 22nd on sexting and sexual exploitation laws
I have worked in this area for years and years, ever since 1995. The first sexting case I was aware of occurred in 1998, before cell phones could take or transmit images. We called it "sexing" in the days before cell phones and the term coined to combine sex and texting. A young teen in NY took a sexual video of herself and gave it to a boy she liked. He shared it with the world.
Now, as MTV and Associated Press polls show that 2/3's of sexting is coerced, and those involved in sexting are 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide, we have to make this a priority.
But how do we advised policymakers? Do we ask them to decriminalize all creation, sharing or possession of images that legally constitute child pornography? If not, what do we want them to do?
Sexting that occurs consensually between teens who are involved can be treated like consensual teen sex with another teen, by amending the child pornography laws to match the statutory rape exemptions for consensual teen to teen sex. But what about those who maliciously spread the images to others, either to get revenge for the teen in the image breaking up with them, or because they want to ruin the reputation of the teen in the image.
In Canada they give limited immunity for the teens involved in the taking and initial sharing of the image, those making up the intimate relationship. Once it moves beyond them, it becomes criminal.
But not all sexting is consensual. A ten year old I know was extorted into taking a sexual image for a few thirteen year olds, threatened with sexual assault if she didn't comply. That's not sexting. That is aggravated sexual assault.
Lawyers do this all the time, so do policymakers. We look at a problem and craft a solution when laws are needed. We can set parameters and help prosecutors understand when community service is best, or counsling is needed, or the teen being charged needs to be treated as a criminal.
Some people think that we shouldn't be ciminalizing "dumb" behavior by teens. But we do all the time. If the drink and drive, it's "dumb" and criminal. If they steal, use a weapon, sell drugs, etc. it's a crime.
What we need to do is remind them of this. Education, awareness, peer-advisors, getting the cell phone companies involved, the digital video and still camera companies involved and the online providers involved...they are all crucial. We need to train prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, etc.
We need to support programs such as MTV's athinline.org campaign. We need to join forces. WiredSafety, the charity I run, has created a coalition called the Stop Cyberbullying Coalition. It handles all aspects of cyberbullying, including sextbullying (when teens spread the images to hurt someone). Our KID team, "kids in danger" team will continue its 15 year quest to stop sexual exploitation of minors.
It isn't justice when one case results in a teen going to jail or having to register as a sex offender for 40+ years, while the same set of facts results in a slap pon the wrist somewhere else. So, we need ot chage the laws. But "decriminalizing" sexting as a blanket policy without looking at the circumstances, whether the actions were predatory, malicious or purely consensual isn't the way. Careful, thoughtful, smart people need to joint forces to find the right way. No kneejerk reactions. But creating exemptions to the law that allow for community service, mandated counseling or no charges under the right circumstances, while giving law enforcement the tools to stop predatory, threatening and true sexual exploitation is.
My 5 sexting tips for teens:
1. If you receive a sexual image of a minor, even if you know them, delete it.
2. Don't take an image you don't want your parents, the police, your principal or a predator to see.
3. What you post online stays online together.
4. If you think what you store on your cell phone is private and no one can access it - think again. How carefully do you guiard it? Do others ever use it? Are you sure your kid brother or your parents aren't "checking things out"?
5. If you love him, bake him cookies, don't send him a sext. And if you love her, don't ask for one.
Now, as MTV and Associated Press polls show that 2/3's of sexting is coerced, and those involved in sexting are 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide, we have to make this a priority.
But how do we advised policymakers? Do we ask them to decriminalize all creation, sharing or possession of images that legally constitute child pornography? If not, what do we want them to do?
Sexting that occurs consensually between teens who are involved can be treated like consensual teen sex with another teen, by amending the child pornography laws to match the statutory rape exemptions for consensual teen to teen sex. But what about those who maliciously spread the images to others, either to get revenge for the teen in the image breaking up with them, or because they want to ruin the reputation of the teen in the image.
In Canada they give limited immunity for the teens involved in the taking and initial sharing of the image, those making up the intimate relationship. Once it moves beyond them, it becomes criminal.
But not all sexting is consensual. A ten year old I know was extorted into taking a sexual image for a few thirteen year olds, threatened with sexual assault if she didn't comply. That's not sexting. That is aggravated sexual assault.
Lawyers do this all the time, so do policymakers. We look at a problem and craft a solution when laws are needed. We can set parameters and help prosecutors understand when community service is best, or counsling is needed, or the teen being charged needs to be treated as a criminal.
Some people think that we shouldn't be ciminalizing "dumb" behavior by teens. But we do all the time. If the drink and drive, it's "dumb" and criminal. If they steal, use a weapon, sell drugs, etc. it's a crime.
What we need to do is remind them of this. Education, awareness, peer-advisors, getting the cell phone companies involved, the digital video and still camera companies involved and the online providers involved...they are all crucial. We need to train prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, etc.
We need to support programs such as MTV's athinline.org campaign. We need to join forces. WiredSafety, the charity I run, has created a coalition called the Stop Cyberbullying Coalition. It handles all aspects of cyberbullying, including sextbullying (when teens spread the images to hurt someone). Our KID team, "kids in danger" team will continue its 15 year quest to stop sexual exploitation of minors.
It isn't justice when one case results in a teen going to jail or having to register as a sex offender for 40+ years, while the same set of facts results in a slap pon the wrist somewhere else. So, we need ot chage the laws. But "decriminalizing" sexting as a blanket policy without looking at the circumstances, whether the actions were predatory, malicious or purely consensual isn't the way. Careful, thoughtful, smart people need to joint forces to find the right way. No kneejerk reactions. But creating exemptions to the law that allow for community service, mandated counseling or no charges under the right circumstances, while giving law enforcement the tools to stop predatory, threatening and true sexual exploitation is.
My 5 sexting tips for teens:
1. If you receive a sexual image of a minor, even if you know them, delete it.
2. Don't take an image you don't want your parents, the police, your principal or a predator to see.
3. What you post online stays online together.
4. If you think what you store on your cell phone is private and no one can access it - think again. How carefully do you guiard it? Do others ever use it? Are you sure your kid brother or your parents aren't "checking things out"?
5. If you love him, bake him cookies, don't send him a sext. And if you love her, don't ask for one.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Peeved Facebook Might Sue Brit Tabloid Over '14-Year-Old Girl' Headline Chaser
Peeved Facebook Might Sue Brit Tabloid Over '14-Year-Old Girl' Headline ChaserToo often journalists and others are looking to hype sitations. It sells papers and can get someone to "stay tuned." But when there are real risks to teens online, this headline was inexcusable. They used Facebook's name to get attention when it had nothing to do with the "investigation" this journalist conducted.
The problem? For this journalist, it's doing it form the UK where defamation laws are much stiffer than in the US. I hope Facebook does sue.
The problem? For this journalist, it's doing it form the UK where defamation laws are much stiffer than in the US. I hope Facebook does sue.
California Court Rules Cyber-Bullying Is Not Free Speech
California Court Rules Cyber-Bullying Is Not Free SpeechCyberbullying may prove costly to these kids and their parents. Private law suit by student who had been tormented online was allowed to continue, as the court ruled free speech is not a defense to harassment.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Facebook stands up to UK.gov's cyberbullying • The Register
Facebook stands up to UK.gov;s cyberbullying • The RegisterThis article articulates the issue better than I can. While I applaude the work CEOP does in tracking down and making sure sexual predators are arrested, when it comes to cybersafety there is not one voice, but many. The "panic" button, isn't a panic button at all. It links to cybersafety resources. It turns out that Ashleigh held most of her communications with her murderer on MSN, not Facebook. And MSN has the "panic" button. That ends the fingerpointing, hopefully.
Facebook has extensive reporting processes and report abuse buttons and trained professionals who receive those reports. I am not sure why one organization, even one as well respected as CEOP, should monopolize reporting and cybersafety messaging when Facebook already works with most leading experts in this field, including CEOP.
I suspect it has something to do with UK budget cuts and the need to remind people how important organizations such as CEOP can be. But that is a valid message in itself. Trying to strongarm Facebook in this poor teen's name isn't the right way to approach this.
my 2 cents,
Parry
Facebook has extensive reporting processes and report abuse buttons and trained professionals who receive those reports. I am not sure why one organization, even one as well respected as CEOP, should monopolize reporting and cybersafety messaging when Facebook already works with most leading experts in this field, including CEOP.
I suspect it has something to do with UK budget cuts and the need to remind people how important organizations such as CEOP can be. But that is a valid message in itself. Trying to strongarm Facebook in this poor teen's name isn't the right way to approach this.
my 2 cents,
Parry
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
FTC Privacy Briefings - Sensitive Data Parry Aftab to Join FTC Panel today
What is “sensitive data?”
“Sensitive Data” categorically includes but is not limited to data related to an individual’s health or medical condition, sexual behavior or orientation, or detailed personal finances, information that appears to relate to children under 13, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical opinions or beliefs and trade union membership.
Four common ways in which sensitive data is exposed
The first three listed are far less prevalent, combined, than the fourth.
1. Intrusion
• Intruders gain access to data through a weakness in the computer system or poor digital hygiene allowing access to computers, desktop and wireless devices
2. Phishing
• Involves a method of extracting sensitive data from unsuspecting individuals through fraudulent emails and communications from seemingly reputable companies and organizations
• Intruders obtain sensitive data by posing as representatives of a legitimate company or organization
3. Social Engineering
• Involves gathering public information that can be gleaned from social networks, online services and community sites, including games, and offline legal sources and combining it in such a way as to understand sensitive and otherwise personal information through de-anonymizing data.
4. Voluntary Sharing of PII
• Online community network users share a tremendous amount of PII all at once or in small portions with the public or with a broad user group
• Some is intentional, while others are shared through poor digital hygiene and failure to use privacy settings or the lack of privacy settings
• This information can be direct disclosure or available through profiling the user’s preferences, groups and surfing patterns, much of which is made publicly available by the user him or herself
• Children are often the source of public disclosures of sensitive data, not only about themselves, but about their friends and family. They may do this intentionally, to harass or torment the person whose information is being disclosed or they may do it without realizing the harm
• Some information is shared, unwittingly, by adults and businesses when disclosing communications, employee information and other sensitive data. In addition, adults, as well as children, share personal information about others either intentionally to harm them or without realizing the harm
Differing definitions of “sensitive data”
There has been a difference in what “sensitive data” means among marketers and privacy advocates in the current push to regulate online advertising. For the most part, the government has had a hands-off approach toward online marketing, giving companies relatively free rein in how they use tools that track what people do online and then use the data gathered to deliver tailored marketing messages.
On July 2, 2009, advertising/marketing industry groups proposed a set of guidelines for self-regulation (http://www.ana.net/news/content/1801) in which they proposed the following definition of “sensitive data”:
The Principle calls for entities not to collect financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, pharmaceutical prescriptions, or medical records about specific individuals for Online Behavioral Advertising purposes without Consent.
However, Pam Dixon of the World Privacy Forum argued that the definition was too broad and proposed this definition of “sensitive data”:
Advertisers should not collect, use, disclose, or otherwise process personally identifiable information about health, financial activities, sexual behavior or sexual orientation, social security numbers, insurance numbers, or any government-issued ID numbers for targeting or marketing.
The government has not yet shaped any regulation but should it do so, it will likely turn to the FTC to negotiate a compromise definition. The FTC is currently engaging in a series of roundtables focusing on privacy and behavioral advertising.
At the FTC's December 2009 privacy roundtable, panelists raised concerns that collection and third party use of browsing data invades private space by:
1. revealing a user's innermost thoughts, such as a search history that reflect a user's explorations of his sexual identity
2. taking away a user's control over her identity, such as by broadcasting compromising photos of a user at a Cancun Spring Break party to a potential employer
3. revealing sensitive identity or financial information that can be misused by third parties to perpetrate fraud
4. or intruding on a user's seclusion by serving targeted ads during a browsing session that reveal that outsiders are listening in.
These closely track the common law privacy rights available in several states. These include:
1. Intrusion on seclusion;
2. False light (true facts combined in such a way to lead other to a false conclusion);
3. Public disclosure of private facts; and
4. Right of publicity (or identity)
They were always recognized as the core privacy rights because of the likelihood of harm caused by their violation. They are a good place to start when considering sensitive data classifications and its treatment.
Parry Aftab, a privacy lawyer and Executive Director of the cybersafety charity, WiredSafety, identifies sensitive data in two different ways. She identifies sensitive data as “kids, cash and kidneys” meaning the three categories of data regulated within the US – children’s data, financial data and health data which data is most commonly abused commercially.
She also identifies sensitive data as relating to vulnerable groups whose data is most commonly abused by individuals in harassment, reputational attacks and in provocation of physical harm. These include gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals and trans-sexuals, victims of crime, medical patients and those with special medical or addiction issues, mental health patients or those suffering from mental health issues, those with special needs and physically- or mentally-challenged and disabled, children, religious and ethnic groups, racial and nationality classifications, litigants and those within the criminal justice system and, in certain cases, senior citizens.
In the former case, regulations already exist to handle the increased risk of disclosure of this information. However, individuals often carelessly or intentionally disclose this information about themselves and others. Once shared, that information is often gathered and used in social engineering, targeted marketing and in building dossiers for multiple purposes. The law typically only protects against the first disclosure and allows consensual disclosure that removes the information form special legal protection.
Vulnerable groups often do not understand their vulnerability online. They often seek support and help online in public forums, or forums that can be easily accessed by third parties. They tend to be less security savvy online and far more trusting of individuals and networks. They either do not use privacy settings, or use them ineffectively. And their information can be gathered, combined with offline and other online data to create risk-profiles or used by stalkers, harassers and hate groups to provoke them online and offline. Physical assaults, crimes against their persons or property and reputational attacks are common.
Aftab’s Socially Safe Seal™, offered through her new risk-management consulting firm, WiredTrust, requires seal holders to create special processes and policies to handle both sensitive data and better protect the vulnerable groups. Her holistic approach includes education, user tutorials and help and specially trained moderators and customer service professionals, and involves the charity, the consulting firm and industry working together to create awareness and implement the best practice standards she has developed over the years.
Sensitive Data & P2P Networks
Also, with the prominence of peer-to-peer network usage these days, the FTC has found that sensitive data such as financial records, SSNs, and driver’s license numbers are now becoming more available on various P2P networks. This happens when private and confidential files are mistakenly shared in “shared file” locations on an individual’s or company’s computer. WiredSafety has repeatedly conducted tests and found that income tax returns, credit applications and passwords and account information for online banking are inadvertently posted and shared through the P2P networks. Often these are shared inadvertently by preteens and teens who use these networks to download and share music, movies and online games on the family computer.
The FTC said that sensitive data about customers and employees have been shared from computer networks in over 100 firms and organizations to virtually anybody in the world connected to the Internet and P2P networks. However, this isn’t to suggest that rampant identity theft hacking is occurring, but merely that some cluelessness and carelessness among workers with access to this sort of data may be to blame.
In response to this, the FTC has released new educational materials to private and public entities explaining the risks of using P2P networks and suggestions on how to manage their use such as making sure that no unauthorized P2P programs can be downloaded and accessed and properly configuring and securing P2P programs that are authorized. WiredSafety has created its own educational programs on this and related issues, and posts an extensive library of resources on its WiredSafety.org and other websites.
Should All Sensitive Data Be Treated The Same?
Recent discussions have been conducted on whether all sensitive data should be treated the same. In particular, whether location information should be given the same privacy protections as medical data.
John Morris, general counsel for the Center for Democracy & Technology, at a recent Congressional hearing (The Collection and Use of Location Information for Commercial Purposes), express support that “location be treated as sensitive data, like medical data” given the meteoric rise in location based services and associated geolocation data. Morris goes on to testify that such location-based technology should be regulated by the FTC.
Many users have expressed concerns about their location being exposed in ways they don’t control and in effect, adversely impacting their safety and freedom. However, others believe that treating location data like medical data will only shroud it in complete privacy and present a detriment to the location service ecosystem. In addition, with GPS built-into most cell phones and many computers and games and other social networks using location to help pair users and locate on-the-ground stores, services and points of interest, how desirable is it to block access to and use of location data?
“Sensitive Data” categorically includes but is not limited to data related to an individual’s health or medical condition, sexual behavior or orientation, or detailed personal finances, information that appears to relate to children under 13, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical opinions or beliefs and trade union membership.
Four common ways in which sensitive data is exposed
The first three listed are far less prevalent, combined, than the fourth.
1. Intrusion
• Intruders gain access to data through a weakness in the computer system or poor digital hygiene allowing access to computers, desktop and wireless devices
2. Phishing
• Involves a method of extracting sensitive data from unsuspecting individuals through fraudulent emails and communications from seemingly reputable companies and organizations
• Intruders obtain sensitive data by posing as representatives of a legitimate company or organization
3. Social Engineering
• Involves gathering public information that can be gleaned from social networks, online services and community sites, including games, and offline legal sources and combining it in such a way as to understand sensitive and otherwise personal information through de-anonymizing data.
4. Voluntary Sharing of PII
• Online community network users share a tremendous amount of PII all at once or in small portions with the public or with a broad user group
• Some is intentional, while others are shared through poor digital hygiene and failure to use privacy settings or the lack of privacy settings
• This information can be direct disclosure or available through profiling the user’s preferences, groups and surfing patterns, much of which is made publicly available by the user him or herself
• Children are often the source of public disclosures of sensitive data, not only about themselves, but about their friends and family. They may do this intentionally, to harass or torment the person whose information is being disclosed or they may do it without realizing the harm
• Some information is shared, unwittingly, by adults and businesses when disclosing communications, employee information and other sensitive data. In addition, adults, as well as children, share personal information about others either intentionally to harm them or without realizing the harm
Differing definitions of “sensitive data”
There has been a difference in what “sensitive data” means among marketers and privacy advocates in the current push to regulate online advertising. For the most part, the government has had a hands-off approach toward online marketing, giving companies relatively free rein in how they use tools that track what people do online and then use the data gathered to deliver tailored marketing messages.
On July 2, 2009, advertising/marketing industry groups proposed a set of guidelines for self-regulation (http://www.ana.net/news/content/1801) in which they proposed the following definition of “sensitive data”:
The Principle calls for entities not to collect financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, pharmaceutical prescriptions, or medical records about specific individuals for Online Behavioral Advertising purposes without Consent.
However, Pam Dixon of the World Privacy Forum argued that the definition was too broad and proposed this definition of “sensitive data”:
Advertisers should not collect, use, disclose, or otherwise process personally identifiable information about health, financial activities, sexual behavior or sexual orientation, social security numbers, insurance numbers, or any government-issued ID numbers for targeting or marketing.
The government has not yet shaped any regulation but should it do so, it will likely turn to the FTC to negotiate a compromise definition. The FTC is currently engaging in a series of roundtables focusing on privacy and behavioral advertising.
At the FTC's December 2009 privacy roundtable, panelists raised concerns that collection and third party use of browsing data invades private space by:
1. revealing a user's innermost thoughts, such as a search history that reflect a user's explorations of his sexual identity
2. taking away a user's control over her identity, such as by broadcasting compromising photos of a user at a Cancun Spring Break party to a potential employer
3. revealing sensitive identity or financial information that can be misused by third parties to perpetrate fraud
4. or intruding on a user's seclusion by serving targeted ads during a browsing session that reveal that outsiders are listening in.
These closely track the common law privacy rights available in several states. These include:
1. Intrusion on seclusion;
2. False light (true facts combined in such a way to lead other to a false conclusion);
3. Public disclosure of private facts; and
4. Right of publicity (or identity)
They were always recognized as the core privacy rights because of the likelihood of harm caused by their violation. They are a good place to start when considering sensitive data classifications and its treatment.
Parry Aftab, a privacy lawyer and Executive Director of the cybersafety charity, WiredSafety, identifies sensitive data in two different ways. She identifies sensitive data as “kids, cash and kidneys” meaning the three categories of data regulated within the US – children’s data, financial data and health data which data is most commonly abused commercially.
She also identifies sensitive data as relating to vulnerable groups whose data is most commonly abused by individuals in harassment, reputational attacks and in provocation of physical harm. These include gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals and trans-sexuals, victims of crime, medical patients and those with special medical or addiction issues, mental health patients or those suffering from mental health issues, those with special needs and physically- or mentally-challenged and disabled, children, religious and ethnic groups, racial and nationality classifications, litigants and those within the criminal justice system and, in certain cases, senior citizens.
In the former case, regulations already exist to handle the increased risk of disclosure of this information. However, individuals often carelessly or intentionally disclose this information about themselves and others. Once shared, that information is often gathered and used in social engineering, targeted marketing and in building dossiers for multiple purposes. The law typically only protects against the first disclosure and allows consensual disclosure that removes the information form special legal protection.
Vulnerable groups often do not understand their vulnerability online. They often seek support and help online in public forums, or forums that can be easily accessed by third parties. They tend to be less security savvy online and far more trusting of individuals and networks. They either do not use privacy settings, or use them ineffectively. And their information can be gathered, combined with offline and other online data to create risk-profiles or used by stalkers, harassers and hate groups to provoke them online and offline. Physical assaults, crimes against their persons or property and reputational attacks are common.
Aftab’s Socially Safe Seal™, offered through her new risk-management consulting firm, WiredTrust, requires seal holders to create special processes and policies to handle both sensitive data and better protect the vulnerable groups. Her holistic approach includes education, user tutorials and help and specially trained moderators and customer service professionals, and involves the charity, the consulting firm and industry working together to create awareness and implement the best practice standards she has developed over the years.
Sensitive Data & P2P Networks
Also, with the prominence of peer-to-peer network usage these days, the FTC has found that sensitive data such as financial records, SSNs, and driver’s license numbers are now becoming more available on various P2P networks. This happens when private and confidential files are mistakenly shared in “shared file” locations on an individual’s or company’s computer. WiredSafety has repeatedly conducted tests and found that income tax returns, credit applications and passwords and account information for online banking are inadvertently posted and shared through the P2P networks. Often these are shared inadvertently by preteens and teens who use these networks to download and share music, movies and online games on the family computer.
The FTC said that sensitive data about customers and employees have been shared from computer networks in over 100 firms and organizations to virtually anybody in the world connected to the Internet and P2P networks. However, this isn’t to suggest that rampant identity theft hacking is occurring, but merely that some cluelessness and carelessness among workers with access to this sort of data may be to blame.
In response to this, the FTC has released new educational materials to private and public entities explaining the risks of using P2P networks and suggestions on how to manage their use such as making sure that no unauthorized P2P programs can be downloaded and accessed and properly configuring and securing P2P programs that are authorized. WiredSafety has created its own educational programs on this and related issues, and posts an extensive library of resources on its WiredSafety.org and other websites.
Should All Sensitive Data Be Treated The Same?
Recent discussions have been conducted on whether all sensitive data should be treated the same. In particular, whether location information should be given the same privacy protections as medical data.
John Morris, general counsel for the Center for Democracy & Technology, at a recent Congressional hearing (The Collection and Use of Location Information for Commercial Purposes), express support that “location be treated as sensitive data, like medical data” given the meteoric rise in location based services and associated geolocation data. Morris goes on to testify that such location-based technology should be regulated by the FTC.
Many users have expressed concerns about their location being exposed in ways they don’t control and in effect, adversely impacting their safety and freedom. However, others believe that treating location data like medical data will only shroud it in complete privacy and present a detriment to the location service ecosystem. In addition, with GPS built-into most cell phones and many computers and games and other social networks using location to help pair users and locate on-the-ground stores, services and points of interest, how desirable is it to block access to and use of location data?
Monday, March 15, 2010
SP0649, LD 1677, item 1, An Act To Protect Minors from Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices
SP0649, LD 1677, item 1, An Act To Protect Minors from Pharmaceutical Marketing PracticesWhen Maine adopted a law last year designed to prevent marketing to minors, it quickly came under attack from all sides. It was overly broad and didn't accomplish its intended purpose. After repeal, the law is back but defined to reach pharmaceutical marketing to minors only, and "minors" is defined to be at least 13, but under 17.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A Cat Mask Won't Save You: Chatroulette Map Exposes Your Location
A Cat Mask Won't Save You: Chatroulette Map Exposes Your LocationIt only gets worse. but note that, unless you are a school or large corporation with your own static IP address, this mapping will not be accurate. it will map to your ISPs node location, not yours. But it may be within a 20 mile range of where you are connecting. the largest risk is what you share on webcam. you can give out your telephone number, address or email, or pose in the nude, or torture kittens, but getting a rough sense of where you are in the world takes away some of the perceived anonymity.
think about it!
think about it!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Check out this great MSN Video: Rapist ‘friended’ victim on Facebook
Check out this great MSN Video: Rapist ‘friended’ victim on FacebookI know this case is devastating and it should be a reminder that Internet sexual predators are real and are looking for our kids. But this can be avoided. No offline meeting is completely safe, no matter how old we are. If you insist on meeting someone in real life that you only know online, go with lots of friends, adult and preferably sumo wrestlers. Report creeps you encounter online so help save the next person who may not know as much as you do. Use privacy settings and carefully select friends.
This tragic death could have been avoided.
Let's try and do what we can to make sure it doesn't happen again on our watch.
Parry
This tragic death could have been avoided.
Let's try and do what we can to make sure it doesn't happen again on our watch.
Parry
Internet companies under fire in cyber-bullying cases: Google execs convicted in Italy over video
Internet companies under fire in cyber-bullying cases: Google execs convicted in Italy over videoInternet companies are facing liavility internationally for what their users post online. While I expect and hope this conviction will be overturned, it reflects a growing concern that there is no one that can be held liable when things go wrong online.
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