Member Privacy And Security, Watch out for stalkers Options

[The Imp]

Mods have recieved complaints about individuals who seek out personal details of members like phone numbers, places of work and residence etc. Then seek to use that information to embarass or otherwise harass people.

This is a VERY SERIOUS issue and could lead to disruptions in daily routines or even to PHYSICAL HARM. This is not an issue solely at MP but applies to ALL online activies. FEMALE MEMEBERS are specifically at risk from these individuals.

We urge members not to disclose their personal information in public. There are a few general guidelines you can follow:

DO NOT USE YOUR REAL NAME
DO NOT USE YOUR PRIMARY EMAIL ADDRESS
DO NOT DISCLOSE ANY CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
DO NOT DISCLOSE THE LOCATION OF YOUR SCHOOL OR WORK OR RESIDENCE

There is no reason at all why anyone online would need such information. Create a pseudoname and imaginary address for yourself and use that if you must. Get an email address specifically for online use and remember that your online identity details are different from real life whenever you use it.

Choose your online friends wisely. Many times stalkers will talk to people you know to gather bit and pieces of information that you have never disclosed to them directly. Anyone can save a chatlog, even a friend who means no harm can unknowingly disclose such information to individuals, who would abuse such information. Unless you know the person in real life and meet them in person, there is NO GOOD reason to disclose such details to them.

Conversely if people trust you with their private details then have the decency to keep it private.

If someone does start harassing you remember that CYBERSTALKING is a CRIMINAL offence in many areas. NEVER delete any communication from a stalker. Save all emails/chat logs/IMs/PMs or telephone messages you might receive, your local law enforcement will want those details. If such a situation occurs MP will co-operate with the relevant authorities.

There are organizations which can provide you more details on how to deal with such circumstances. EDUCATE yourself on the need for online privacy and the disruptive effects it can have on your life if you choose to trust the wrong people. LEARN how apparently benign pieces of information could disclose everything about you.

And last of all I'd like to add that if someone is harassing you on MP. Contact the Mod team and disclose as much detail of what has happened as you can. Remember if such a person is abusing your information, he will not hesitate to abuse others. You could be helping to prevent such an incident.