Digital Safety

The suspect in the recent terrorist attack in London apparently used the messaging app WhatsApp just before the incident, raising calls for intelligence services to be allowed access to such accounts. A number of apps now employ end-to-end encryption to ensure user privacy, but this raises the same issue as when Apple refused to create a “backdoor” option on their phones after the San Bernadino terror attack occurred. The reason these tech companies are so adverse to allowing this “backdoor” option is that doing so would prevent them from being able to offer hack proof encryption and privacy, something customers are typically unwilling to compromise on.

The suspect in the recent terrorist attack in London apparently used the messaging app WhatsApp just before the incident, raising calls for intelligence services to be allowed access to such accounts. A number of apps now employ end-to-end encryption to ensure user privacy, but this raises the same issue as when Apple refused to create a “backdoor” option on their phones after the San Bernadino terror attack occurred. The reason these tech companies are so adverse to allowing this “backdoor” option is that doing so would prevent them from being able to offer hack proof encryption and privacy, something customers are typically unwilling to compromise on.

Goggle Maps recently included a location sharing feature as an update to the Google Maps app for your phone and personal computer. While this kind of location sharing is already available on other apps, privacy experts are worried about adding this feature to one of the world’s most popular apps when so many are concerned about digital safety and privacy. When location sharing is turned on, your teen can be tracked when out with friends, and if you are not careful to limit access to only friends and family, burglars can even find out when you are out of the house for the day. On a more positive note, the app can be set up to let someone know where you are, or that you’ve arrived to your location safely, but then the tracking will turn off when you arrive. Google will also send you emails to remind you have the feature on if you forget to turn it off. Take a look at this article for help with turning the location sharing on and off and for more information about the feature.

Goggle Maps recently included a location sharing feature as an update to the Google Maps app for your phone and personal computer. While this kind of location sharing is already available on other apps, privacy experts are worried about adding this feature to one of the world’s most popular apps when so many are concerned about digital safety and privacy. When location sharing is turned on, your teen can be tracked when out with friends, and if you are not careful to limit access to only friends and family, burglars can even find out when you are out of the house for the day. On a more positive note, the app can be set up to let someone know where you are, or that you’ve arrived to your location safely, but then the tracking will turn off when you arrive. Google will also send you emails to remind you have the feature on if you forget to turn it off. Take a look at this article for help with turning the location sharing on and off and for more information about the feature.

Google is attempting to quell a growing furor by the British government and major brands in both the U.K and the U.S., who are angered by the placement of their online ads alongside offensive or extremist content — such as videos by white supremacists or the Islamic State. Recently Google said they would pull online ads from controversial content, give brands more control over where their ads appear, and deploy more people to enforce its ad policies.

 "Brand safety" has emerged as possibly the biggest issue facing the advertising industry. For large marketers, even one ad placed next to extremist content can cause harm to a brand. As a result, AT&T, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, Apple and other major U.S. advertisers are pulling hundreds of millions of dollars in business from Google and its video service YouTube until Google can fix the issue.

Google is attempting to quell a growing furor by the British government and major brands in both the U.K and the U.S., who are angered by the placement of their online ads alongside offensive or extremist content — such as videos by white supremacists or the Islamic State. Recently Google said they would pull online ads from controversial content, give brands more control over where their ads appear, and deploy more people to enforce its ad policies.

 "Brand safety" has emerged as possibly the biggest issue facing the advertising industry. For large marketers, even one ad placed next to extremist content can cause harm to a brand. As a result, AT&T, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, Apple and other major U.S. advertisers are pulling hundreds of millions of dollars in business from Google and its video service YouTube until Google can fix the issue.

If your child’s teacher has introduced the topic of being a good digital citizen, or if you just want to review some key safety concepts with your child, you may want to check out the Common Sense Education K-12 Digital Citizenship curriculum. The program includes everything from lesson plans, videos, student interactives, and assessments, to professional learning and family outreach materials. Topics covered include: Relationships and Communication, Internet Safety, Cyberbullying and Digital Drama, and Creative Credit and Copyright as well as other pertinent issues.

If your child’s teacher has introduced the topic of being a good digital citizen, or if you just want to review some key safety concepts with your child, you may want to check out the Common Sense Education K-12 Digital Citizenship curriculum. The program includes everything from lesson plans, videos, student interactives, and assessments, to professional learning and family outreach materials. Topics covered include: Relationships and Communication, Internet Safety, Cyberbullying and Digital Drama, and Creative Credit and Copyright as well as other pertinent issues.

Discover the top five Google safety features designed to help you keep your family safe at the Google Safety Center. Some of the tips shared include on how to use parental controls as part of your browser, how limit access to only apps and games you approve, and how to get family friendly results when you conduct a search.

Discover the top five Google safety features designed to help you keep your family safe at the Google Safety Center. Some of the tips shared include on how to use parental controls as part of your browser, how limit access to only apps and games you approve, and how to get family friendly results when you conduct a search.