On Privacy & Oversharing

After my interview on RDU 98.5FM this morning, Spanky (the show's host) raised a good point about privacy, that in the past we would never have considered tell everyone exactly where we are 24/7 (paraphrasing). Often with new technology people get carried away with the novelty of it before they think about the repercussions. Location based social networking is great and has tons of wonderful features, but as this article points out, we can go too far and endanger ourselves, our families and our friends if we are careless.

7point1squared would like to encourage you to share responsibly. Don't check-in to your friends' or families' houses without asking them first and don't share their address publicly. Likewise, while it might be great to be the mayor of your own flat, be aware than if you share your address and your other check-ins, people know that you aren't at home, and where you live, making you a possible target for burglary. Extreme situation, but one to consider.

If you are concerned about your privacy (which you should be!) this needn't stop you from taking part in 7point1squared or from using location based social networking like Foursquare, Gowalla, BriteKite, Google Latitude, Twitter Location or Facebook Places.

Please be aware that you do not have to make your Foursquare check-ins public, nor do you have to share them on Twitter or Facebook to participate in 7point1squared. When you check-in you can select to not share your checkin with friends (this means friends on Foursquare) and you can also untick "Share on Facebook & Twitter" (or simply don't connect these accounts with Foursquare.) You can email me a screenshot of your check-ins or we can work out some other system if you would still like to be eligible for prizes. Obviously I respect your privacy and will never share any info about you that you don't make public without your permission (i.e. I will use your Twitter username but not your real name unless you say its ok!)

Also think about your username when you sign up on things like Twitter & Foursquare. It doesn't have to be connected in any way with your real life details!

Your life,your privacy, your choice! Lets not let this stand in the way of us helping support our local businesses, their owners & staff, our neighbours, family & friends!