Are you safe online?

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The internet has exploded and you can now shop, bank and download music online but do you know your rights? Most people use the web for school, work, socialising, meeting people and chatting. Did you know that:

• at least six million Britons have been affected by identity fraud?
• your credit rating can be affected - even though it's not your fault?
• you can be prosecuted for downloading music, films and software?
• giving out personal information in chatrooms carries a risk?

We want to keep you safe by pointing you in the direction of information that will help you to stay safe. But, you are the only person who can decide what you do with these facts so be smart and be safe online.

Look at the links for Copyright and Online Grooming links on the right and get clued up with the facts to keep you safe online.

What about Avoiding Online Fraud? Are you aware of the risks when people shop online? For most websites you need to be 18 before you can shop online with a credit card although some will allow you to use your current account Switch card. You need to know how to shop safely online and you can help your parents shop safely online too by being aware yourself.

Staying within the law, facts you need to know:

• the internet, email and other applications should be used for lawful purposes
• as an internet user, you must comply with all relevant legislation
• you can be banned from library, college or internet café computers if you misuse them
• you may also be placing yourself at risk of prosecution if unlawful action is involved
• email and other electronic communications are admissable in court as evidence
• you should not write anything about anybody that you would not want to be read out in open court
• individuals may have the right to see a copy of information held about them at any time under the Data Protection Act and this includes email messages
• all texts, imags, music files and other content items on the internet, or in other electronic works, including CDroms and DVDs are likely to be protected by copyright
• this includes items borrowed from the library or owned by you
• before copying or downloading material you should check any terms and conditions of use and, if necessary, seek permission from the copyright owner

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