Many people use Internet every day without even stopping to think how safe it is, where they look for sources they need for research paper writing or just chatting with friends on their social network profile. Odds are, you haven’t given it much thought either, but in fact, there is always some risk when you make your photos or your personal information public.

What are my rights in Internet?
First and foremost, you have the right to respect for private and family life, including protection of your personal information and right to correspondence confidentiality. You may not know it, but every time you surf Internet (use your browser, check your e-mail, use search engines, cloud services, messengers and social networks), your personal data is being processed. This doesn’t mean it’s time to start panicking: no one can use this information without your consent.
Your personal data can be processed, but only if you agreed to it (but they always have to inform you why they need it) or because it’s required for a certain purpose (when you make a legal agreement, when you are being employed or when you need healthcare). In case of criminal proceedings government can process your personal data without your consent.
But whatever the case is, your personal data can be collected only for purposes and within frameworks prescribed by law.
Any information about your name, address and contacts can be stored for a limited time only, after which they must delete it.
It may sound surprising, but it’s true: since 2008 all Internet users can contact Internet companies and request that they delete their accounts and/or any inaccurate and outdated information.

What kind of personal information can be used by others and how?

1. Personal details. Much of your personal information may be displayed on your Facebook profile, from your name and birthdate to contact details and address. Of course, every person decides what kind of information he or she wants to publish on their profile. Some dream of professional writing career and post stories. Some like sharing some things that happen to them every day. But think what you want others to see and what you want to keep private.
Also, take it into account that your potential employers may view your social network profiles, though such viewing is considered to be personal data processing as well, so they need your consent for it too.

2. Your photos. As a rule, your photos and other works with your image on them (like drawings) can be publicly displayed and distributed only upon your consent. But if you post your photos where they can be easily accessed by wide public, your consent to use them may not be needed. In case you post photos taken by you, the same rules apply. If they are published for public access, they can use them, but they must always credit the author.

3. Your posts. Social networks don’t protect any of your publications in any way. Anyone can repost them or quote them, whether it’s other users or journalists. If you worry your posts can be used by others, make sure you restrict access to your social network profile for strangers. Otherwise your expressive writing about some personal things may go public.

How can you protect yourself?

Don’t hurry to delete your social network profile. Chances to keep your personal information confidential are not high, but there are things you can do to protect yourself.

1. Think of a complex password. Sounds too banal? Well, it’s effective.

2. Make sure that access to your personal information is restricted. Yes, it’s nice to see how many likes your posts get. But sometimes you just have to choose between safety and being popular. You can’t tell everything about yourself to all strangers out there. You can be an avid writer and really good at essay writing, but you can display those skills in safer places.
3. Be careful. Don’t share your personal information and don’t give your phone number to people you barely know. You may also need to check your list of friends following you and make sure all of them are real people.

4. Think before posting any information online. This especially concerns nudes: posting them where everyone can see them may lead to really unpleasant results. Remember that there is no such thing as being too careful.
And the last advice is talk to people personally! Seriously, choosing virtual life over real one isn’t the greatest idea. So stop looking for that custom essay service, put your device aside and go back to reality. They say it’s pretty cool out there.