Digital law experts say the numbers of sextortion and online crimes are expected to increase during the lockdown period. Courtesy #DStv403
JOHANNESBURG - Digital law expert Emma Sadleir says people should be skeptical about sharing their private information with strangers online.
The number of online crimes is expected to increase following the announcement of a nationwide lockdown.
Sadleir is advising people to interrogate content before sharing it on social media.
"Be skeptical, we said last week when we were talking about fake news in this pandemic that you should presume that everything you read is false until proven otherwise and I think the same rule applies with people you meet online. Presume they are dodgy until they have proven that they are a real person", said Sadleir.
Below are Sadleir's top tips to ensure that you remain safe online during the lockdown:
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If you are under the age of 18 then don't do it because it is a criminal offence.
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Make sure you can't be identified from the content. Identification can also include tattoos or birthmarks.
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Ensure that the person is willing to receive the content you have sent.
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Make sure you send it to the right person.
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Do not send the content to strangers, make sure you are sending the picture or video to someone you know.
- Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
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The NICD has another Clinician Hotline to improve #COVID19 communication and support for healthcare providers. The Clinician Hotline is 0800 11 1131, operating 24 hrs. The Public Hotline is 0800 029 999 also operating 24hrs.
