Subscribe to RSS

Tips For Protecting Your Privacy and Personal Information

“Internet” and “privacy” are two words who are as synonymous with each other as “Smart” and “Blond” but do a web search and you will find countless websites, articles, and blogs, discussing the issue of Internet privacy in detail. Discussions about how to protect ones privacy have been around since the late 1800s, but the widespread use of the Internet has taken the discussion to a whole new level.

As people access to the Internet grows so do concerns over the visibility, collection, and dissemination of information. Seen by some as a Utopian paradise, the Internet is also seen by many others as inherently sinister, but when it comes to issues of privacy, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. It would not be too far a stretch to compare the World Wide Web with that of the Renaissance, a cultural movement that spanned between the 14th through the 17th century. Both produced unique environments, where bold and revolutionary ideas were expressed and flourished.

However, what makes the Internets influence even more unique, is that in no other time in history have such a cross spectrum of individuals had the opportunity to reach such a vast audience, approximately over 800 million people. Can the Internet be a treacherous place to visit? To be sure, but what is as equally true is that most people discount its risk; where the benefits and convenience of using the Internet outweigh the many concerns.

The best and simplest piece of advice when choosing to navigate the Internets sometimes treacherous waters, is to be wise with whom you give out your personal and professional information. When posting a project via a freelance website be cautious; make sure to only make your contact information available to freelance professionals you feel comfortable with. For example, on Project Question Boards do not give out your actual name, phone number, URL or business name. In addition, if your project involves giving someone access to your database, protect your clients by using a fake personal and business name, and street and email address. The goal is to be able to post a project safely without completely sacrificing information the freelance professional may have. For more information on the subject look up Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996.

By law, all work information is protected once it is put into tangible form -something in which a person can see, read or touch. For example, an author’s article, book, or even a project description on a job board would all be protected under the Copyright Act of 1976. Although your ideas are legally protected, it can still be stolen. If that happens take legal action, but many people hesitate to do so, such a step costs time and money. Another option is to describe your project as best as possible, leaving out any information that is deemed too sensitive, only to be disclosed after a non-disclosure agreement has been signed.

For more information on the subject look up the Copyright Act of 1976.

In conclusion, Big Brother may be watching but the irony is that because of the widespread use of the Internet we have all become Big Brother.