It doesn’t surprise me when I read that over 1 billion people use social networks today. In fact, I’m more surprised about the people who aren’t on Facebook, Twitter, fill-in-the-social-neworking-blank. It used to be that people, particularly our previous generation, were very private about their personal lives. People like my mother would never publicly announce their present location or post photos of themselves or their children online. Sometimes I think we live in a bubble, assuming that everyone we friend on Facebook or follow on Twitter is well-meaning. We assume that our photos are just that…our photos…that they would never be used in an inappropriate way. Something about the internet feels safe. Unfortunately, there are individuals who aren’t so well-meaning.
One of the most popular ways for friends and family to stay in touch is through photos. In fact, the main reason I started this blog 5 years ago was to keep our family and friends connected to us and our new baby via photos and quips. But the question begs, why would anyone want to take or use another’s photos? And does this actually happen? These are important questions to ask considering that 26% of parents have posted photos of their kids and 13% have included their child’s name alongside those photos (via outmywindow).
Unfortunately, fellow blogger Danielle Smith from Extraordinary Mommy found out through a friend traveling in Prague that her family photo was on display in a grocery store window. The photo was obtained via her website but was not authorized for use. I really like Danielle’s quote that ran on NBCNews.com: “This story doesn’t frighten me, but the potential frightens me.” She couldn’t have said it better.
Here is some compelling information I learned last week during the launch event for outmywindow at Warner Bros. Studios:
- Popular photo sharing websites and social networks have complicated privacy settings that make it impossible to track who accesses your photos
- Social networks can license your photos to 3rd party advertisers
- Photo sharing sites allow search engines to index your photos so that anyone can download them anywhere
- Photos posted to the internet and social networks include metadata about where they were taken
Last week, I got a first look at a brand new website/app that offers a more personal way to share photos with friends and family. outmywindow is an all-in-one site/app that offers a camera, a photo sharing component, and secure storage. The most compelling part of outmywindow is the fact that you have complete control over your photos including who views them. I often post photos of my children, but I am very careful not to post their names, the school they attend, or any other personal information.
So how does outmywindow work?
First, you’ll need to create an account, and if desired, download the free app onto your mobile device/tablet. The basic service is free and offers 5GB of storage. When you upgrade to premium ($3.99/month or $26.99/year) you’ll receive unlimited storage and an ad-free experience.
Now you’re ready to start taking, sharing, and organizing your photos.
Do you share photos online? What privacy concerns do you have?
For more information, just visit outmywindow on Twitter or Facebook.
You can also download the app for free on iTunes.
I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for ‘outmywindow™’
I also attended a press event at Warner Bros. Studios
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This looks like a good way to share pictures and stay secure at the same time.
This sounds like a great way to protect my pictures! For the most part, I’m not a private person. I never really have been, since I grew up with a grandfather who was a videographer, and my ex-husband was a news photographer. But there are some things that I do like to keep just to a select group of people, and it’s nice to have options.
This seems like a great product. You don’t want your pics getting into the wrong hands. I had no idea that your online photos were so available to others. Scary.
Dawn
http://www.cheapisthenewclassy.com
I worry about online sharing as well. This looks like a great product! Thanks for sharing!
Oh my. How scary for Danielle. It’s so important to keep your photos safe n secure esp ones with the kiddos in. Sounds like a great alternative. Will check out the app.Thanks
I have never heard of this product before, but always worry about the photos that I post! This is definitely something I will be looking into!
This sounds like a great program! I agree that it is so important to keep your photos safe!
I love OutMyWindow & it was great to meet you at the event!
This sounds like a great product. I didn’t realize it was so easy to access photos on social media sites. I share on my blog, but there are some photos I’d rather not have stolen. I may have to take a look at this!
Very Interesting- I will definitely have o check this out!