Online Community FAQ: Privacy and Security
By: AARP.org Source: AARP.org Date Posted:
Privacy and Security
- How can I protect my privacy?
- What if I don’t want to share my photos, videos, and journals with others?
- Can I change my mind once I've designated a photo, video, or journal as public or private?
- I like the idea of keeping a journal online, but I don’t want the whole world reading my personal thoughts.
- I don't want users to be able to search for my profile. What are my options?
- I received a message in my Message Center from someone I don't know. Should I respond?
How can I protect my privacy?
We take privacy matters very seriously on AARP.org. Our Web site features special settings that allow you to control how much personal information you want to share. Your last name, zip code, and e-mail address are always hidden from public view. To hide more of your personal details from view, you can:
1. Go to your profile page.
2. Click the Edit button under your profile picture.
3. On the Edit My Profile page, select the Hide option (under Display Setting on the right) for the information fields you would like to keep private.
What if I don't want to share my photos, videos, and journals with others?
Every time you add a photo, video, or journal to your personal profile, you will be asked to select from three privacy levels:
- Public - Everyone can see your photo, video, or journal
- Family and Friends - Only your circle of Online Community friends can view your photo, video, or journal
- Private - Your photo, video, or journal is for your personal enjoyment alone
Can I change my mind once I've designated a photo, video, or journal as public or private?
Absolutely! If, for example, you select Public but later decide that you want to change it to Private, simply click on that photo, video, or journal and locate the Details box on the right-hand side. Then use the drop-down menu to modify the privacy level.
I like the idea of keeping a journal online, but I don't want the whole world reading my personal thoughts.
No problem! You can create a new journal and designate it as Private so that it's for your personal reflection only.
I don't want users to be able to search for my profile. What are my options?
You have the ability to hide your personal profile from the People Search results. To hide your profile, click on the Settings button under your profile picture. Under your Account Information tab, click the box that says "Hide my AARP.org community profile from search results." Then click the blue Save Changes button at the bottom of the page.
I received a message in my Message Center from someone I don't know. Should I respond?
Be careful and use your best judgment! While AARP.org tries to foster a safe and secure Online Community, the Internet is plagued with con artists and scammers who will try to take advantage of unsuspecting users. For example, if a message includes requests for money or inappropriate romantic overtures, you should report it to community@aarp.org.
Our Message Center provides a convenient way to send a private message to another user, but we recommend that you join groups for a more diverse and coordinated means of discussion among Online Community users.
