Sharing videos online

Video sharing online has exploded in the last couple of years with content ranging from harmless personal videos and educational content, to videos that promote hate, sex and violence.

While most Web sites have policies against pornography, violence, posting copyrighted material, and so on, they primarily rely on users to report abuse they’ve already been exposed to, rather than filtering the content before it is uploaded. This means that you or your children may come across a great deal of inappropriate material.

Video content can be particularly compelling for criminals. Videos generally provide more visual information than a photo, plus they may allow the predator to hear a person’s voice and watch mannerisms. There are often clues in the background of videos that provide additional personal or location information for the person who knows how to look for it. Videos of children or provocative women are especially interesting to sexual predators.

Tips for staying safe when posting videos
Check these tips when posting videos online:

1. Select a reputable service and understand the site’s Terms and Conditions. If you do not retain full control of your content, consider selecting a different site.

2. Before posting video content, consider all the potential information it contains. If it includes personally identifiable information, consider making the video private. Also, listen to what is said; words can also give away identity and location.

3. If the video shows friends or family members, you may be putting them at risk, too. You should obtain permission from everyone shown in the video before posting it.

4. Remember that once you post information publicly, it can stay around forever and may pop up when you least expect it.

5. If you see inappropriate content or comments on your content report it. The service should review the report and take appropriate action.