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Privacy watchdog warns teenagers that using Facebook is jeopardising their future careers

UK Daily Mail
Friday November 23, 2007

Millions of young people are putting their careers at risk by using social networking websites, a report from Britain's privacy watchdog says.

The study for the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) showed 60 per cent of 14- to 21-year-olds did not realise their online details could be accessed years into the future.

Seven in 10 questioned in the study did not like the idea of potential universities or employers seeing their current networking site content.

ICO deputy commissioner David Smith said: "Many young people are posting content online without thinking about the electronic footprint they leave behind."

"The cost to a person's future can be very high if something undesirable is found by the increasing number of educational institutions and employers using the internet as a tool to vet potential students or employees."

In addition, posting personal information leaves young people vulnerable to identity fraud. If information such as dates of birth and addresses is put together with details which might be used to create passwords, like a mother's maiden name, fraudsters might be able to access online bank accounts.

The report revealed nearly two thirds post their date of birth, a quarter their job title and almost one in 10 give their home address.

Full article here.

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