Think before you post online

14 May, 2010  Help & Guide, Random

There’s been a lot of talk about Facebook and how irresponsible they’re being when it comes to giving their users power over how they can control what’s shared or seen. To be honest, I’d like to think that I’m quite tech-savvy, and getting through Facebook’s control panel, Help, or Forums, is like going through a MAZE.

Nothing is clear and despite clear warnings by government officials and the general public around the world, Facebook seems to just ignore what’s right for people. Yes, they implement some security features here and there, but the fact of the matter is, it isn’t enough.

It’s not only the responsibility of FB though. Parents need to monitor their children and adults need to be weary about what they post online. What’s scary is that even if you don’t post a picture, you know that someone else is going to post something and tag you eventually.

Here are a couple of great videos, I’d love to create a Qatarized/Arabized version. If you need more tips and advice, ictQatar is here to help and be there for you! (probably the only authority that actively engages with the public so openly!)

  • Miss.Q

    Thank you for your nice post Mr.Q.
    I use facebook and at least a few people try to add me on their facebook everyday… of course all guys!

    And some guys just send me messages saying ‘I’d love to get to know you’ or just put their mobile numbers.

    I know some girls just add guys on their facebook and share their pictures with strangers.

    Especially for girls… it’s very dangerous!!

    We shouldn’t share our private info with strangers…

    One day, I asked my friend ‘ Do you know this person?’ ( the person tried to add me on his facebook) and my friend said ‘ No.. I don’t know him’ But actually she already added him on her facebook!

    So many people just add strangers without checking if they know them or not.

    People on your facebook are not all your close friends…They might be there to steal your info…

Freedom of Expression

    Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which the Qatari Government is a signatory of states: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any medias and regardless of any frontiers.

    The Emiri Decision Number 86 of the year 2007 on the establishment of the Doha Free Information Centre marked yet another step towards establishing a State of rights and freedom of speech. The decision stipulated that the Centre be a non-profit organization, headquartered in Doha City, and have the authority to establish other affiliated centres inside and outside Qatar. It is worth mentioning that His Highness the Emir issued a decision in 1998 annulling the ministry of information, giving birth to a new era of freedom of speech where censorship was removed from local media.