It is so frustrating to see ministers appearing to be backtracking on the introduction of tighter security measures for customers using internet and social media sites.
Over the last few weeks there has been an on-going debate in the media between ministers and the internet providers on the proposal to introduce new measures that will mean that internet service providers change their current processes so that in the future customers would 'opt-in' to access adult content, rather than 'opt-out'*.
This proposal was seen as a great step forward in helping to reduce the ease with which children are able to access unsuitable content such as pornography sites. Instead, less stringent proposals are now being considered - internet providers would merely give users the opportunity to filter out pornography more easily**.
The safety of all users but particularly children and those who are older is such an important issue that it's very disappointing to see social media providers and the government not taking responsibility to resolve the position, while children and older people continue to be most at risk.
Legal & General's own recent Digital Criminal 2012: CyberSafety report identified that 88% of consumers want more security advice to be given to children using social network sites. It's so important that children and adults use sites safely and do not put themselves, their homes and family at risk from the sites they visit, the information they post and connecting to strangers, who could be digital criminals via social networking sites.
Our recommendation to users is to review their online footprint and carry out 'virtual housekeeping' so the amount of personal information available on them is limited and so helps to reduce the risk of being a target for criminals or unintentionally accessing inappropriate content.
We believe there is more that the government and the social media industry could do to reduce the risk to social media users' in the UK. They are simple steps that would help to protect users immediately. For example:
Tackling dormant profiles
Firstly, make it mandatory for all social media sites that require registration, to contact users whose profiles have been dormant for a year or more at least, to actively check with them whether they wish to re-activate their account or gain their permission to delete their profile.
Currently social media users are at risk of having their dormant profiles hacked and for this information to then be used by digital criminals, unaware that a social media site is holding or using their personal details. This would help social media users to be more in control of the information that is available and held on them.
Improving verification
Secondly, we would like to see the implementation of a robust verification system that works across all social networks to stamp out fake profiles. This should enable social networks to be able to confirm to users that people using their sites or service are who they say they are. This would reduce the risk to users of being targeted by strangers with fake profiles.
It appears social networks and users are still a way away from understanding the value of doing this. Google + tried to introduce a verification process but then faced a storm of criticism when they only allowed people to register for accounts with their verified names, and blocked anyone using a pseudonym. They have since backed away from this verification approach.
Legal & General has also written to key stakeholders, which included government ministers, to flag the proposals outlined above to help to protect users. In addition,
Security inthe home and at work is affected by how and what our children do online. Whether it is the disclosure of personal information, family holiday plans, or the details of a parent's business travel, child users can unwillingly create security problems. Educating them on the risks and instilling good practices from an early age is one of the most important steps we can take as a society. Mark Johnson of The Risk Management Group (TRMG), who helped Legal & General with the latest Digital Criminal Report, has produced a really helpful special guide for children and teachers to improve understanding and the importance of online security. More details and a copy of the Guide is available to download at www.legalandgeneral.com/safe-children-online
More detail of our research findings and the risks identified that social media users face outlined in the Digital Criminal 2012; CyberSafety Report which is available to download at www.legalandgeneral.com/digitalcriminal2012. Read it and then you will appreciate why the lack of action by government ministers and social media and internet providers on this issue is just so disappointing. What more evidence do they need?
Sources:
1 Consumer research for Legal & General's Digital Criminal 2012: CyberSafety report was carried out amongst 2,005 UK adults, who use social networks at least once a week. The research was conducted between 16 January 2012 and 18 January 2012.
* http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2132329/Internet-firms-defiant-block-porn-despite-warnings-MPs-generation-teenagers-addicted-it.html
** http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2134210/Im-fan-nanny-state-evidence-need-start-protecting-children-depraved-imagery.html