Blogging Safely

A blog (a combination of the words 'web' and 'log') is similar to an online diary or journal, which may be kept by a single person (a 'blogger') or contributed to by many people who share an interest in the blog's topic.

Blogging can be an interesting way to voice your opinions, share ideas, keep in touch with family and friends, and experiment. It can be a useful exchange of ideas and information, entertaining and fun.

However whenever we put information about ourselves on the internet or communicate with people online, there are risks. One key to keeping safe while blogging is to understand what information should be kept offline. As a general guide, it is a good idea to keep things like phone numbers, addresses, school or workplace details, sports teams you play on, and full names private. It is wise to use a nickname and to be careful about the types of photos of you post as part of your blog.

Some potential risks of blogging include:

Possible misuse of your information
Criminals can use identifying information to locate you offline, as can sexual predators. It can be helpful to keep an eye on all the information that exists about you online, from different sources. What can someone find out about you from gathering it all together?

It can also be useful to remember that what you say (and pictures you post) on the internet are there forever. Your information can be seen by people you didn't imagine would see it, so when posting anything online, think about how you would feel if your grandparents or a future employer saw it. Also, remember that pictures and text can be copied, saved onto others' computers, changed and used for purposes you didn't originally intend.You can also protect your friends and family by making sure that you check out with them that it is ok to post their picture before you do it.

Grooming for sexual abuse
People can use the online environment to find or groom victims for sexual abuse. Offenders are on the look out for people who are vulnerable or troubled (in blogs, chat environments, and social networking sites) so as to appear to be a friend at a time of need, and therefore develop trust and dependency but with a sinister agenda.

Not getting the support you need
Bloggers can discuss serious issues (like suicidal feelings, drug issues or eating difficulties) and instead of getting the help they need, they can get unhelpful responses from their online audience. For this reason it can be useful to make sure that you are getting support from an offline source in addition to online sources. Contact NetSafe for more information about support options available.

Scams
There are a number of online scams which 'phish' or try to hook you into revealing personal information. If you have a blog and receive email from your webpage, it can be helpful to be wary of scam-type emails. Click here to find out more about online scams.

Copyright infringement
Some bloggers may wish to post pictures, music or other material which is copyrighted to someone else. It is a good idea in these instances to check with the owner of the material that it is ok for you to use their intellectual property before you post it. Click here to find out more about copyright law in New Zealand.

Bullying and harassment
Bullying and harassment can happen on blogs. Abuse can range from someone putting harassing or embarrassing information about another person on their webpage, to identity theft where someone sets up a fake site in your name. Regardless of the details of the harassment or the forum, NetSafe Contact Centre staff are there to help - call 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) or email queries@netsafe.org.nz.