Hello! This is Shemihaza, the Guardian (Sentinel). Social media, which we use casually every day, is essential for connecting with friends and gathering information, isn't it? But did you know that a small setting mistake could put your private information at risk of being seen by malicious individuals? It's like leaving your house windows wide open. This time, let's explore the privacy pitfalls hidden in social media and how you can protect yourself.
Personal Information 'Completely Exposed' Without You Knowing?! SNS Privacy Setting Pitfalls
We usually enjoy posting, but sometimes important personal information can be unintentionally hidden within those posts. What should we be careful about?
- ▸① The danger of posting with 'location information' turned on: Photos taken with smartphones can automatically record 'location information' indicating where they were taken. If this information is posted to social media while turned on, your home, school, or frequently visited stores could be identified, and strangers could know 'where you are right now.' If this continues, it could lead to frightening dangers such as real-world stalking.
- ▸② The danger of 'privacy settings' being wider than expected: Social media has functions to set who can see your posts, such as 'public to friends only,' 'public to everyone (meaning worldwide),' or 'private.' However, if the initial setting remains 'public to everyone,' or if you accidentally make a mistake in the settings, your posts could be seen by complete strangers. This poses a risk of personally identifiable information being spread or your behavior patterns being tracked.
- ▸③ The danger of information being extracted through 'app integration': Social media has a function to integrate with many external apps, such as diagnostic apps, games, and useful tools. When you integrate in a way like 'log in with SNS account,' you grant that app access to your information. If you integrate with a malicious app, there's a risk of unsolicited posts being made or personal information being stolen.
Checkpoints to Protect Yourself
To protect your valuable privacy, regularly check the following points.
- ✓Before posting on social media, check if photos contain location information (GPS data). If not needed, turn it off.
- ✓Review your social media app's privacy settings and confirm that the 'audience' is set to 'friends only' or 'private.' Be especially careful if it's set to 'public.'
- ✓Regularly check external apps integrated with your social media and unlink any unused or suspicious ones.
- ✓Do not include photos showing your home or workplace surroundings, or information revealing specific behavior patterns (e.g., 'I'm at the station at XX time every day') in your posts.
- ✓Do not easily accept 'friend requests' or 'messages' from strangers.
Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
If you get involved in trouble on social media or feel anxious due to persistent messages from suspicious accounts, don't bear it alone; seek help immediately. The police consultation hotline '#9110' can provide advice on concerns related to daily safety. Furthermore, if the trouble escalates into real-world issues such as stalking, contact the police immediately.