How to Safely Share Your Photos Online This World Photo Day
August 19th, 2024
Embracing World Photo Day with KnowledgeFlow’s Cybersafety Tips
World Photo Day is a celebration of the art, craft, science, and history of photography. It’s a day to share your best shots, capture memories, and connect with others through the visual storytelling power of photos. At KnowledgeFlow, we celebrate this day by emphasizing the importance of posting and sharing photos safely online.
The Hidden Risks of Sharing Photos Online
Today, sharing photos has become second nature. We often want to share what we’re doing, where we are and who we’re with. It is valid to want to share and connect with others on social media. However, there are several risks that many people may not consider:
- Metadata and Location Data: Every photo you take with a smartphone or a digital camera contains metadata, which includes details such as the date, time, and often the location where the photo was taken. Sharing photos with this data can inadvertently reveal your location or routine, posing a significant privacy risk.
- Album Sharing Risks: Sharing photo albums online, especially on social media platforms, can expose more than just the intended images. Often, albums can be viewed by a wider audience than intended, and the settings can be complicated to navigate, leading to unintentional sharing.
- Digital Footprint: Once a photo is uploaded online, it can be challenging to control where it goes. Photos can be downloaded, shared, and re-uploaded by others without your consent, leading to a permanent digital footprint that can be difficult to erase.
Safely Sharing Your Photos: Our Best Practices
To help you celebrate World Photo Day safely, here are some essential tips to protect your privacy and keep your photos secure:
- Turn Off Location Services: Before sharing photos, make sure to turn off location services on your camera or smartphone to prevent geotagging.
- Review Privacy Settings: Always review the privacy settings of the platform you’re using to share photos. Ensure that your photos are visible only to the intended audience. For example having a private account on Instagram, and monitoring your follow requests. On social media, consider creating custom friend lists to control who sees your posts.
- Use Private Sharing Options: Whenever possible, use private sharing options like direct messages or private albums that require a password or specific invitation to view. This reduces the risk of unintended sharing.
- Be Mindful of Background Details: Pay attention to what’s in the background of your photos. Personal information or identifying details can be inadvertently included in a photo, posing additional privacy risks.
What is Personal information?
It might sound obvious to think about what counts as “personal information.” However, there are many details we might not immediately consider as “risky” when sharing photos online. While it’s usually clear that sharing your address or phone number can be sensitive, other less obvious pieces of information can also impact your privacy. Especially for teens, who use social media the most, it’s crucial to consider pieces of information we might share harmlessly, that could be used in a negative way.
Some examples include; names of the people in the photo, what school you attend, shops/landmarks close to your home, and more. By being aware of these subtle details, we can share our moments online more safely and thoughtfully.
FREE Cybersafety Resources from KnowledgeFlow
Navigate the complexities of cybersafety with confidence. KnowledgeFlow’s cybersafety resources are free, engaging, and are created by certified cybersecurity experts. Offered in multiple formats including courses, tip sheets, videos, guides, and more, you’re sure to find the right fit for you!
the KnowledgeFlow Cybersafety Academy
- Enroll in our Cybersafety Academy courses to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills for staying safe online. Our courses cover a wide range of topics, including photo sharing safety.
Resource pages
- Check out our resource pages designed to support with additional cybersafety information, statistics, tip sheets and guides.
Cybersafety Blog
- Our blog, KnowledgeBytes, provides up-to-date information on the latest cybersafety practices, tips, and news. It’s a great place to learn more about protecting your digital life.
World Photo Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the beauty and power of photography. By being mindful of the risks and following best practices for photo sharing, you can enjoy this day safely and securely. At KnowledgeFlow, we are committed to providing you with the resources and knowledge you need to protect your digital life.
Happy World Photo Day!
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