Youth Privacy

Believe it or not the internet has been around since the 1960's but it hasnt been this advanced ever before. The internet evolved in the early 2000's. Today,Billions of people are using the internet actively each and everyday. The Internet has allowed many people to communicate between each other, sending emails and other information to one another and sometimes they give out their personal information without even knowing that they are giving it out. In recent years, Companies or some indivuals use for this information own personal gain, to harm us or just for fun. What do i mean, here ill give you some examples. You go online to Facebook and make a account. You fill out this form which asks your for your Name, Age, hobbies ..etc. Now you probably thought that this information is just for security purposes, well it is...kinda. Companies use this information sometimes, to personalize the ads on the website so that they suit you. Lets say in Facebook you wrote that you like hockey as a activity in the hobbies section in the form, Facebook can now personalize the ads to show advertisements for lets say hockey sticks, equipment etc. Now this is not that harmful right? Yes, this is not harmful but, there alot of other ways that people try obtain your information and use it for harm.

There are 5 Main ways that Companies or People take/receive your information!

1.Email: Junk e-mail is spam which people send to you for products (usually), advertisements etc so that you will buy that product. Bots come through e-mails and take certain information out and sends it back to whoever sent it to you. Phishing is a person trying to commit fraud on the internet. In common cases, it is sent to you by e-mail, asking for your credit card numbers and other personal information by saying you have won a prize or contest.

2.Viruses/worms: A virus or worm contains attachments that corrupt files, disrupt how your computer works, and takes information. It is usually sent in the form of a e-mail and once it is in your system, it can send e-mail on your account to other people in your address book spreading the virus. They sometimes can try and control your computer and also get in your banking accounts.

3.IP addresses and Cookies: As you visit websites, some websites place tracking cookies which collect and store information like your IP address of your computer, your preferences, passwords and other unique information about you.

4.Social Networks: On sites like Facebook, you post stuff about ur life everyday. You may not know this but this is visible to the whole world. There is a saying that once you put something internet, even if you delete it. Its still always will be there. Be careful about what you post online!

5.Everyday Use: Sometimes while we are browsing the internet we give out information when we dont even realise it. Here are some examples: I am trying to play a game, but they are asking me to sign up first which would mean me entering in my name, email, sometimes address etc. You may think this is harmless but most of the time this information is used to send you junk/spam mail. Always be cautious on the internet!