Can you do a warning on threads asking for personal details?

[Ausernotanumber]

Hi just wondering if it would be possible for you to do a warning on threads asking for personal details (eg the one about real names currently running) along the lines of the "not everyone is who they seem", similar to what I have seen on threads asking for money?

[DonkeyOaty]

Good idea. Would rely in folk reporting though?

Maybe something in the sign-up/talk guidelines?

There was a poster on here a few years ago chose someone at random to demonstrate how we leak info. Harvested the poster's name, occupation, birth date from MN and then scruntised linked in/facebook/good old google for the rest. Was illuminating.

[Ausernotanumber]

So does the current warning on begging threads tho, doesn't it?

But yes Donkey, that's my point exactly.

[DonkeyOaty]

Ah yes I see. Thicko

Me, not you

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I agree. People seem to forget that MN isn't some secret secure space - it's all totally public and some people give away far too much about themselves. Social engineering to get data is a thing and people need to be aware of this.

On the other hand people shouldn't use the internet unless they understand security, and you can't warn against every stupid thing someone might do.

[emotionsecho]

I've often thought this Auser, there are so many threads asking for personal information about posters such as : how many children do you have?, what job do you do?, how much do you earn?, whereabouts do you live?, how much is your house worth? and it wouldn't take much for an average internet savvy person/newspaper researcher to tie all those strands together and find out who posters are. I never understand why posters respond to those threads, this is an anonymous forum - why risk removing your anonymity?

A warning from MNHQ might urge posters to think twice before posting on such threads.

[Ausernotanumber]

Emotions exactly.

Itsall someone called MN their "safe space" the other day and i was screaming at the computer screen.

[Queenbean]

sorry, are you suggesting this goes on all threads or just on the ones asking for personal details? If the latter, MNHQ will need them reported - I don't think they see all threads

On a similar note though that poster posts far too many personal details and is clearly vulnerable. Not sure how they get around that as he seems to be very aware of it

[Ausernotanumber]

Just ones asking for personal details, queen.

And yes, I agree re that poster. Fwiw.

[Queenbean]

I'm sure they'd happily do that if you report the thread in question then

[Ausernotanumber]

Yes but I was thinking more generally on threads that ask for details. Same as they do on the money begging threads.

[Sparklingbrook]

I am often surprised by how much personal info people are willing to divulge on here.

Those threads that just end up as a list of people's earnings/savings etc are bizarre.

[Queenbean]

But they don't know the threads exist if people don't report them; they don't get to see all threads

But they would happily do this if they see the threads so reporting is best bet

[Ausernotanumber]

Yes. But I'm asking for a standard warning like on the begging threads. Bog standard. We always post this etc etc.

[DonkeyOaty]

So. The standard message could be along the lines of:

MN is an online community, by parents, for parents. Do think twice before divulging personal details such as your first name and or surname, your home town, birthday, occupation, and other personally identifying details. We want our users to stay safe online.

???

[Ausernotanumber]

Yes donkey that would be perfect :)

[RebeccaMumsnet]

Hello,

Yes, we can do this if the thread is reported to us or we sometimes remove RL names and personal details and mail the OP to explain why.

However, we do not see threads unless they are reported so if you see someone posting too much personal info, please do report it and we will take a look.

Thanks

[Ausernotanumber]

Thanks Rebecca. I had already reported, but I've just done so again.

Thanks again.