06 May 2009

The Privacy Commissioners of the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) today launched a video reminding young people to protect their privacy online. The key message of the video is: ''Think before you upload. Once it's out there, it's everywhere!'.   

"We may think that the details, photos and videos we upload online are private, and can only be seen by our friends. But they can often be accessed by other people as well: our families, employers, teachers, marketing companies, and even identity thieves", said Ms Karen Curtis, the Australian Privacy Commissioner.

"When we give out information about ourselves online, we also make it easier for people to find us offline."

The youth privacy video is promoted by the APPA Commissioners as part of Privacy Awareness Week, 3 - 9 May 2009. Privacy Awareness Week is an annual promotion to raise awareness of the importance of protecting privacy.

Research shows that a large number of young people participate in social networking and other online activities, and often reveal personal information to complete strangers. While young people value their privacy, many neglect to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their personal information.

The video contains a series of animated scenes showing some possible consequences of uploading information online.

To view the video visit http://www.privacy.gov.au/, or to find out more about Privacy Awareness Week, visit http://www.privacyawarenessweek.org/ or contact the relevant privacy authority in your jurisdiction.

APPA is the principal forum for privacy authorities in the Asia Pacific and currently consists of members from Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Korea, Canada, British Columbia, the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria.