Online Safety: hints and advice for participants in online events.
Online events are becoming very common, and offer many people a chance to participate in events regardless of geography or physical access. These tips are intended to help you safely enjoy your event.
- Avoid handing out personal contact details such as your personal address, date of birth, location, etc.
- If you are using a webcam, try and ensure there is nothing visible in your background which could identify your location.
- If sharing your screen during an online event, ensure no personal information is visible (it is unlikely event organisers will ask you to do this unless you have been expressly asked prior to the event – only do so if you are comfortable with this request).
- Be aware that anything you post online, including comments and images, may be visible to others.
- Avoid one-to-one messaging with people unknown to you or responding to contact requests from people you don’t know.
- Take care with webcams and microphones if used and ensure you switch them off once you have finished with the event. Your host may have discretionary powers to mute all microphones and stop webcams from broadcasting. This is for your own safety and to stop disruptions during the event.
- If you are using your webcam in a space with other people (for instance in your household) please make sure they are aware you are broadcasting and that you are all happy for your background to be visible.
- Do not disclose the passcode/password you have been sent, if required, for attending your event.
- If you are participating in an online event for the first time, as part of YIWW, and would like some extra advice, please email us and we’ll get back to you to talk through the process.
Produced by York International Women’s Week coordinating group
YIWW 