Social networking Web sites such as Facebook, Myspace and the wide variety of blog-based servers are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family. Technology even allows information, pictures and videos to be posted to profiles through a cell phone.
But, with instant access comes great responsibility.
Posting is fun, but posting the wrong items for everyone in cyberspace to see can be dangerous -- and even illegal.
“One of the biggest issues CCSO sees is that kids are posting inappropriate pictures of themselves on these sites,” said Special Crimes Bureau Sgt. Scott Rapisarda. It’s also dangerous to e-mail such items even if they’re intended to be viewed by just one recipient, he added.
“If you send a nude picture to someone and they later on get mad with you, that person could very well post that image all over the Web,” Rapisarda said. “What many people don’t realize is that this is considered to be distribution of child pornography.”
Other types of information that should never posted online include: Social Security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, where one works or attends school and any other personal information that could be used by others to commit a crime.
If you believe you are the victim of a cyber-related crime or discover an inappropriate photograph or video of a minor, contact CCSO at 239-793-9300.
