Aarzoo Amir
With the ongoing shift towards digital life, individuals are increasingly dependent on social media applications. Apps such as Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and others along the line enable users to stay connected and build an online social presence for their pertinent interests. Nevertheless, at one side such Apps have played an incredible role in the trading of data and correspondence, however, on the other, these have raised significant security concerns including online harms in the digital regime.
It is important to highlight that social media users are constantly at risk of potential information security and privacy threats as users personal information on social media can be misused or manipulated to commit cybercrime and may often result in misfortunes. Since security is a shared responsibility, therefore, as part of regular security hygiene, it is important that users recognize the risks associated with social media and follow (not limited to) the below guidelines to safely enjoy the benefits: ? Careful Profiling on Social Media: Social Apps provide users an open choice to create their digital social presence through profiles. The choice of the profile has a core impact on an individual’s digital life. A public profile can be seen and accessed by everyone whereas a private profile customarily requires user’s consent of who can see the information.
Limited Information Sharing on Social Media: Social Apps with default settings permit anyone to access personal information such as phone number, email address and pictures. Social media companies use personal data to help advertisers reach their target market. With an increasing amount of personal information stored in online accounts and electronic devices, hackers and identity thieves are now turning their attention toward digital targets, therefore, personal information protection and privacy holds vital importance. Applications like Facebook provide singular power over posts — e.g. you have the option to make your personal photos private or public. Ultimately, choose what is in your best interest!
Say No to Harmful Content on Social Media: It had never been so easier and economical to produce, communicate, and share content with others as today provided by social media, due to its free and open nature. But these benefits have come at a price. Day by day, social media users increasing concerns about wide range of issues, including harmful content, privacy and security have forewarned government and regulatory bodies to take steps for citizens protection. In the light of such issues, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is playing crucial and constructive role to control the spread of harmful, immoral online content and protect citizens from its detrimental effects. PTA is also proactively working to discourage such content through mass awareness especially related to blasphemy, indecent pornography, defamatory posts, impersonation and anti-state content etc. According to “PTA verified stats, PTA blocked more than 20,000 URLs including Defamatory, Impersonation, Sectarian and Hate Speech related harmful content”.
However, for an effective outcome, every citizen, being socially responsible, also has to play his or her positive part in curbing this harmful content issue. If you see any unethical posts or videos either on social media or on internet spreading hatred and disharmony, it is best to report such content to the social media platforms and relevant authorities. Also, as concerns grow about the effect of harmful social media content on children, there are many tools available for parents to control their children online activities on social media. Finally, whatever content you consumed or upload using social media Apps, it must not cross ethical, religions or social boundaries.
Digital Rights Awareness: With the shift towards digital lives, especially social media, cyber harassment cases are also increasing. It is frequently used to intimidate those with less political or social power, and affects some groups disproportionately, including women and minorities. At its worst, it causes real and lasting harm to its targets. According to verified cyber-crime stats from law enforcement agencies, “More than 700+ verified cyber harassment cases reported in 2020.” Therefore, as a responsible citizen, if you are the victim of the same or you find someone being the victim, report it on the appropriate cyber crime and harassment reporting channels and file a complaint with the social media platforms for swift action.
Improving Digital Security: The surge in internet fraud and phishing scams has grown manifolds over the years. It is equally important to know that links in email, tweets, posts and online advertising are often how cyber criminals attempt to steal personal data. As part of routine security checks, you must turnoff or change your default security settings while enabling privacy settings on social media Apps. Also, make sure to use different and unique passwords/pass phrases and utilize second type of validation otherwise called two-factor security wherever possible for added security.
—The writer is freelance columnist.
