How do you know if online programs and services are safe? Part 4: Safety enforcement is the third leg of the safety stool

We know from long experience that rules without enforcement are ignored. You can teach safety until you are blue in the face. You can build an framework to promote safety. But if there’s nothing to prevent abusers from misusing the service, there are all too many people willing to break the rules and exploit others.

For example, there are now tools in e-mail programs that block spam and address exploits like phishing and other forms of fraud; there also laws in place to punish spammers and other fraudsters. These are critical enforcement steps and a good beginning.

But more focus has to be given to building enforcement tools and punishing crooks so you’ll be protected from identity theft, scams other than those delivered through e-mail, illegal images, stalking, bullying, sexual harassment, and other online attacks.

The site’s safety information should answer these questions to your satisfaction:

• Can you easily find out how to report abuse of the service (like spam or fraud), or exploitation, harassment, or other abuse of anyone who uses the service? Does the service describe how fast they’ll act when notified about abuse?
• Are there mechanisms built into the product or service that can discover and block abuse or is the company relying on reports from abused or offended users to take action?
• Does the service have a clearly established method for working with law enforcement should an issue be serious enough to warrant cooperation?
• Are there tools to help parents and guardians appropriately monitor the Internet use of minors in their care?

Go back to Part 3 (safety framework). Return to Part 1 (introduction).

One last comment:

Be skeptical of companies and government bodies who try to enforce overly restrictive standards on you. Look instead for products and services that empower you through safety education, through the tools you need to create your own online experience, and through rapid enforcement of their safety policies.

Experience the Internet your way.

Linda