There have been recent news articles involving privacy issues based on what people have posted online, including but not limited to results of criminal activities. In a world that is being dominated by social media and the thirst to know what is happening now has become a two edge sword. Social Media is both good and bad by providing you with information related to you when you want but has given up rights and privacy in exchange. A few people have asked me how can they protect their privacy online? The answer could be as simple as turning off the Internet but that is an extreme measure that is usually not an option for most.

The Internet is a powerful information tool in today’s technological society, providing information on demand with Social Media connecting friends and family around the world. To protect your information online is virtually impossible but you can control the flow of information by only allowing certain information online. Vital information such as birth year and information is not needed nor relative to anyone, therefore should not be provided if possible. Address, Credit Card and Phone Numbers should only be used if you order a service or product from a trusted site. As for your name and email address, they are OK to use and in fact I would suggest setting up a free email account for random site sign-ups. These few tricks will help protect you from evasion of privacy.

Finally control the information you post online – if you use Geo Location you are letting the world know where you are easily. If you post something you are possible letting people know that fact – true or not. Keep it simple, random and vague is often the best practice in protecting yourself.