Appendix G Privacy and security tips
While most sites have privacy settings you can adjust to control others' access to your profile and the information you post, the default setting is usually set to open access. If you only want your profile to be accessible to those you have registered as 'friends', make sure you adjust it.
From the Victorian Privacy Commissioner Website, Privacy and security tips
'Remember that it's hard to control the information once it is out there
In the online environment, privacy once lost can be extremely hard to retrieve. You can update your profile, but the comments you publish on your space or on someone else's will probably stick around for a long time, even if you de-register your profile.
Guard against identity theft
Don't assume that anything you post online is completely private or limited to certain groups, or that the passwords you set up cannot be accessed through inadequate software protection. Even basic information, such as an address, birthday, photo, or mobile number can be coupled with other public information, enabling someone to steal your identity.
Respect the privacy of others
Remember that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to their privacy. Ask permission before posting information, photos or videos, and respect the choices people make.
Stay safe
In the vast majority of cases, people's experiences of social media are positive and fun-filled. But it's best to avoid responding to messages from people you don'y know. If you feel threatened or harassed by a contact, you can remove that person as a friend, preventing them from interacting with you. If the matter escalates, you can report persistent or unwelcome contact to the police.
Use the most appropriate method of communication
When you want to communicate with a single friend or select group of people only, it may be better to communicate directly by email. If you advertise a party on your Facebook or MySpace page, for example, you might run a risk of a lot of unexpected guests.
Understand the site's privacy policy
Consider the strength of assurances given about security on the sites you visit, and the conditions of acceptance. You might find that you are being asked to consent to wider commercial uses of your information.
Report abuse or misuse
All websites have 'Contact Us' sections. Use these details to report abuse or misuse.'
Summarised from the Victorian Privacy Commissioner Website, Privacy and security tips
