Where do you go every day and mingle with stalkers, pedophiles, pornographers, scammers, con artists, and thieves?  We don’t often think about this when we make a familiar trek to the Internet for information, for entertainment, or to communicate with friends and business associates.  It’s easy to forget that when we step into that realm of Web 2.0 where we have the opportunity to publish and share personal or professional thoughts, we’re also hanging out with folks with whom we wouldn’t want to share a seat on the bus.

During a phone conversation a few weeks ago, my friend Greg was telling me about one of his friends who was being stalked online.  His friend, it seems, was the recipient of unwanted emails and communications from a former acquaintance.  This stalker went so far as to search her name on the Internet and got to her blog because it was listed on his blogroll.

The question then, is how can a person enjoy the benefits of web tools without compromising personal privacy?  No one can protect you on the Internet better than you.   Today I share my suggestions for you (and for Greg’s friend):

1.       Always consider the consequences of entering your email address or other personal information into any field online whether it’s to download software, make a purchase, or join an online group, chat, or forum.

2.       Read the fine print.  Will information you share about yourself be kept private, or is there a possibility that it will be distributed to other sources?

3.       How much access do you want the public to have to your communication whether it’s a blog, wiki, social networking site (Facebook, MySpace, Classmates, etc.), chat room, or other communication tool?  Many of these services offer privacy features, so be sure to look and take advantage.  Remember that your real friends already know how to get in touch with you.

4.       Last, if you become the recipient of unwanted communication, there are options.  Most email services allow you to block senders and their servers.  Email or call to complain to the staff of legitimate online organizations about problems you have while in their domain.  Contact law enforcement if you receive anything that makes you feel that your personal information or safety are compromised. There are officers like my husband who specialize in online public safety.

Hopefully you’ll continue to enjoy the wealth of resources and tools that are available to you on the web.  My message today is simply to think before you act.  Once you put your information out there, it’s difficult, and sometimes impossible to retract.