Online dating is possible thanks to modern technologies. Many use it to meet the prince or princess of their dreams, especially now that meeting people in person is not always safe. However, the internet has many risks to personal safety in real life and cause unpleasant consequences in the long run.
Of the complaints the Data State Inspectorate (DVI) received last year, approximately a quarter were related to possible illegal use of people’s private data online, dating websites included.
«Most of the complaints are related to publication of personal data – photos and contact information – without consent. Often the reason lies in poor relationships, when the so-called Prince Charming has already turned into a frog, which is later revealed as part of a prior grudge,» says DVI Legal Office manager Evija Kreišmane.
«There have also been situations when a real person’s data or profile was used illegally to attempt illegal activities, such as undermine the person’s reputation, offer non-existent services or spread false information on behalf of another. It is possible to avoid such situations by following simple safety precautions. We are not anonymous on the internet – the more we reveal about ourselves, the higher the risk.»
To avoid revealing to much about ourselves online, DVI recommends:
Use safe authorization. Online dating websites offer different authorization tools – social network profiles, e-mail address, phone number and others. Data protection-wise registration using e-mail address is the safest method. It is best to use an e-mail address created specifically for online dating or a telephone number to receive two-step authentication code. If we use social network accounts to access dating websites, we provide access to more of our personal data, making us easier to identify;
Study the dating platform’s privacy policy – pay attention to who is provided access to user data and how they are used. Do not agree to handing personal data to third parties for commercial activities;
Consider which personal data to provide when creating a profile. All information provided is visible to everyone using the platform and it is one screenshot away from staying on the internet forever. Compare it to real life – would you trust a stranger met at a cafe with personal information. Public survey results performed by DVI indicate that men are generally more reckless than women with their personal data;
Pay attention to photos uploaded to the profile – make sure there aren’t any landmarks or other signs (car registration plate, street address, etc.) that could help others identify the address. It is also important to avoid including other people in photos (family members, colleagues, fiends) without their consent;
Avoid using GPS data functionality if possible. In such cases the distance an app shows between two persons can be used by criminals to fake their location by using special equipment or apps;
Avoid scammers. Dating platforms, like social networks, have their fair share of fake profiles and scams. For example, so-called bots – hiding behind fake profiles and provoking people into doing things (sharing personal or other sensitive data, for example). People should pay attention and avoid providing their phone number at the first signs of politeness;
Report suspicious activities. If people lose access to their account, or find out it was made by someone else using their Facebook or other channels, it is necessary to report. In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation, it is the duty of data manager to ensure data protection and deletion. Of the data manager does not respond to requests, people can instead turn to the Data Protection Inspectorate.
To promote Latvian residents’ awareness of the importance of data protection and ways to keep it safe, DVI has commenced the campaign Your data – your security. More information available at DVI website and Facebook page.
DVI: what to do to ensure internet Prince Charming doesn’t turn into a frog
