Around half of social networking websites are failing to keep young people’s personal details secure, according to European Commission research.
The commission looked at the policy and practice of 25 websites across Europe that signed up to its Safer Social Networking Principles last year and found that just 40 per cent ensure profiles of teenage users are only visible to friends.
The research also found that only half of websites, including Facebook, YouTube and MySpace, made it impossible to find private profiles of under-18s through search engines.
In addition, just nine out of 22 websites responded to complaints submitted by their users.
The commission also found that around half of teenagers readily give out personal information online. It has now launched a campaign called Think Before You Post!, aimed at raising awareness among teenager internet users about the dangers of parting with personal information online.
EU commissioner for information, society and media, Viviane Reding, said: “I expect all companies to do more. Minors’ profiles need to be set to private by default and questions or abuse reports have to receive quick and appropriate responses. The internet is now vital to our children, and it is the responsibility of all to make it safe.”
Source : Children & Young People Now Magazine
