Why you shouldn’t post pictures of children online – The 6 reasons

Children born today will have the largest digital footprint in history. An average person, by the time they turn 18, is estimated to have more than 70,000 posts online that will concern him. This is a huge amount of data being shared, exchanged and stored. This data is then accessible to many more people than we may realize.

“It’s natural to want to share the happiest moments of our lives. When you post pictures of your children online, it may seem harmless, but there are several reasons why you should adopt a prudent attitude,” according to the international digital protection and cyber security company ESET.

Here are some of the threats that photo posting can pose to a child’s safety, according to ESET.

1. The image you uploaded is no longer yours

Every time you post a photo on a social media platform, that image is no longer exclusively yours. The terms and conditions often state that once an image is uploaded to their server, they are free to use it without consent. While you retain the copyright, the platform whose servers host the image owns the license. In other words, the social media platform has the right to use your photo in any way it sees fit.

2. The baby’s identity or my identity?

Sharing information or photos of your children online can lead to identity theft. Posting ultrasound images, with sensitive information, exposes the child to risks even before birth. Sometimes, a post may include the child’s name, date of birth, or location. Then, with just a few clicks, an attacker can discover the parents’ personal information. Combine all of this with data breaches and social security numbers readily available on the dark web, and you have a quick and easy recipe for identity theft, with hackers possibly obtaining credit in the child’s name. According to Barclays bank, the risks posed by children’s photos being published online will account for two-thirds of identity fraud and financial fraud faced by young people by 2030.

3. Metadata reveals all

Social networking platforms are not responsible for removing metadata from your images. These include, for example, the location, the type of device used to take the photo, etc. An average cybercriminal can easily use these to track down your child, where they go to school, where you live or what extracurricular activities they attend. Even a photo of your child’s artwork can include their name.

4. You’re attracting the wrong audience

A good rule of thumb is, if you have the slightest doubt about a photo, it’s best not to post it. Also, try to avoid posting nude photos of babies online. Even an innocent photo of a child running naked in the garden can attract the wrong audience and a photo of your child can end up in the wrong hands.

5. Consent is your mission

Realizing that your children will inherit the consequences of your online behavior is a serious thing. Therefore, asking your children for their consent to post anything about them on social media helps them realize that there are choices they have to make and consequences, both positive and negative. If you want to post a photo of your child with another child, you must also ask for their permission or the permission of their parents or legal guardians, just as you would with an adult. In France, if you post a photo of your child online and they object later, you could face a €45,000 fine or jail time. Similar laws apply in Italy.

6. Reward bad habits

When you post every moment of your child’s life, it can reinforce bad habits and create a false reality that sharing everything online is okay and safe. Make sure you teach your children to use social media and online spaces safely and responsibly. Talk to them about the dangers, but also show them the fun part

RES-EMP

View the news feed and get the latest news.