You don’t have to be the NSA with access to cell phone data to investigate individuals these days. It is amazing the information that people will voluntarily post on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. You have no expectation of privacy in what you post. The same is true for any action you may take in public. You must assume that everyone has a smartphone with video capability, and that they “know how to post a video to Facebook.” Facebook and other social media sites provide a wealth of incriminating information.

Even if you are not involved in a divorce, custody or criminal situation, you should be concerned about how to protect yourself, and your image, when using Facebook. Here are a few suggestions for using Facebook safely and in an enjoyable fashion:

1. Do not place your personal information on your Facebook profile. Items such as your residential address, your phone number, your cell phone number, your date of birth will all become very public information instantly and will increase the risk of identity theft. You should also be careful not to provide too much information about your friends. There are simply some facts that should be shared only in a more private setting, for example medical information. Protect your privacy and respect the privacy of your friends.

2. Set your privacy settings to maximum before placing photographs of you or your children on Facebook.

3. Do not ever think that your Facebook page is private amongst only your friends and family. You have to assume that this information will become public on the web. Try a Google search for your profile to see what is available, even if you are not a “friend”. You should also remember to ignore friend requests from someone you do not know. These individuals may be crooks, private investigators, or worse, creating fake accounts to gain access to your online information.

4. Be sure to keep your wall and profile postings clean. Make sure damaging photos and comments are removed. Most of your friends will be well intentioned with their posts, but their photos and comments can be harmful to your professional and personal life. You should ask any friends or family members when an embarrassing item is posted to immediately take it down.

5. Make sure that you do not leave your computer on with your Facebook account open. Leaving access to your Facebook account is the equivalent of leaving your wallet or cell phone in public on the picnic table. You should sign out always, especially if using a Facebook app on your cell phone.
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