I Didn't Know
The “Reel” Story: File Sharing
- Sharing photos or videos with friends and family can be a lot of fun and a great way to stay in touch over long distances. However, it’s important to remember that when you send a file, it is out of your control. What if the boyfriend you’re sending that sexy photo to sends it to all of his friends? Once you put something on the Internet it can be copied or saved by anyone in the world.
- Be twice as cautious about using a webcam in front of people you only know through the Internet. Sexual predators search for children and teens willing to model sexy clothes or act out scenarios in front of a live video camera. Don’t believe people when they claim that it's just a way to get a start in modeling or show business. You should also know that live videos can be captured and saved for later viewing, posted to a website or copied to a CD and sold.
- There can also be serious consequences if you send photos or video of someone without their consent, especially if they are under the age of 18 and the photo/video is of a sexual nature. It could be considered distribution of child pornography and could result in criminal charges. Here are a few things to keep in mind when sharing files:
- Be twice as cautious about using a webcam in front of people you only know through the Internet. Sexual predators search for children and teens willing to model sexy clothes or act out scenarios in front of a live video camera. Don’t believe people when they claim that it's just a way to get a start in modeling or show business. You should also know that live videos can be captured and saved for later viewing, posted to a website or copied to a CD and sold.
- There can also be serious consequences if you send photos or video of someone without their consent, especially if they are under the age of 18 and the photo/video is of a sexual nature. It could be considered distribution of child pornography and could result in criminal charges. Here are a few things to keep in mind when sharing files:
• If you do share photos or video of yourself, be aware that anything you broadcast can never be taken back. Once it’s out there, it’s available for the whole world – including your parents – to see.
• If you use a webcam, be sure that you actually unplug the webcam when you’re not using it. Even if you just turn it off, it could still be manipulated remotely and used to film you without your knowledge.
• Don’t use a webcam when you visit chatrooms or with instant messaging. As mentioned earlier, live video can be captured by other participants, which means you lose control over where your image ends up.
• If you have video files on your computer, don’t download file sharing software on your computer. Other users may be able to capture those files.
• And last but not least, don’t let other people – including your friends – convince you to do something you’re uncomfortable with. They’re not the ones who have to deal with the consequences.
• If you use a webcam, be sure that you actually unplug the webcam when you’re not using it. Even if you just turn it off, it could still be manipulated remotely and used to film you without your knowledge.
• Don’t use a webcam when you visit chatrooms or with instant messaging. As mentioned earlier, live video can be captured by other participants, which means you lose control over where your image ends up.
• If you have video files on your computer, don’t download file sharing software on your computer. Other users may be able to capture those files.
• And last but not least, don’t let other people – including your friends – convince you to do something you’re uncomfortable with. They’re not the ones who have to deal with the consequences.
