The Tribune

STUDENTS must be careful to protect their online reputations as prospective employers are always watching, Data Commissioner Sharmie Farrington-Austin warned.

Making a presentation at St John’s College to mark Privacy Week, Mrs Farrington-Austin also emphasised the need to respect other people’s right to privacy on the internet.

She warned the students to remember that the “app-ification of society” has made it very easy for personal information to be collected and disseminated.

Because employers consider a candidates online reputation when hiring, she said the students should be very cautious about how they collect, process, keep and disclose their personal information.

Mrs Farrington Austin also discussed the relation between social media and cyber crimes, including cyber bullying and happy slapping.

Commissioner Austin and Inspector Barrett of the Cyber Crime Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force outlined the various offences that currently exist and encouraged students to be mindful that while technology should be embraced, it can also be abused.

The commissioner added that it was a privilege to return to her alma mater as Data Protection Commissioner and that she is hopeful that the school year will be a peaceful and rewarding one.