Hello! This is Shemihaza, the Guardian (Sentinel). We use SNS casually every day. Fun interactions with friends and sharing wonderful photos enrich our lives, don't they? But wait a minute. Did you know that those 'casual' posts could inadvertently leak your important information or be 'seen' by complete strangers without your knowledge?
Are You Completely Exposed? SNS Privacy Setting Pitfalls
- ▸① **Risk of location identification from hidden photo metadata!** Photos taken with smartphones can automatically record information such as the location and time they were taken (Exif data). While many modern SNS platforms automatically remove this location data, not all of them do. Even if location data is removed, your range of activity, home, or workplace can be inferred from buildings, landscapes, or shop signs visible in the photo. There have actually been reported cases where home addresses were identified from posted photos, leading to stalking incidents.
- ▸② **Setting errors in 'who can see' your content can become a big problem!** SNS platforms have a function to set 'who can see' your posts and profile. Surprisingly often, the default setting is 'public to the whole world.' Updates and photos you intended only for friends might actually be viewable by complete strangers. Especially if you write detailed information about your work, school, or family, it can become a major clue for identifying you.
- ▸③ **Persistent contact from strangers can escalate into stalking!** If your public visibility settings are too broad, or if you're set to receive messages from anyone, you might receive persistent messages from strangers. Even if you reply casually at first, it can escalate into online harassment or real-world 'stalking (cyberstalking)' behaviors such as waiting for you in person.
Checklist to Protect Your Precious Self
- ✓Review each privacy setting for the SNS platforms you use and ensure that you have restricted 'who can see that information' to the absolute minimum.
- ✓Before posting photos or videos, check the background to ensure that nothing that could identify your location, such as your home, workplace, or school, is visible.
- ✓Check that the content you post does not include detailed personal information that could identify you, such as your real name, contact information, place of residence, or frequently visited stores.
- ✓Do not easily accept friend requests or reply to messages from strangers. If you find something suspicious, block and report it immediately.
- ✓Check if any apps have been granted permission to use location services for your SNS accounts, and review whether this is truly necessary.
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Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
If you experience trouble or stalking on SNS and feel anxious, please don't keep it to yourself; seek help immediately. The Consumer Hotline (188) and the Police Consultation Dial (#9110) are important resources to help you. Beyond the internet, dangers greater than you can imagine may be lurking. Please enjoy SNS wisely and safely.