Privacy Commissioner - Te Mana Matapono Matatapu

Private Word Issue 62, June 2007

The new generation: online and uninhibited

As younger people reveal their private lives on the internet, many parents are looking on with alarm.

New York magazine recently compared the sometimes uninhibited online diaries, photos, videos and virtual friends culture on social networking sites such as MySpace with an earlier generation’s shock at the advent of rock and roll. The feature article points to many young people’s desire for fame, acceptance of risk, and their view that a truly private life is an illusion.

Also in this Private Word

Did you know ... “A mirror image of all New Zealanders’ passport data is stored in Australia ...”
Consent given for photos
Case note
“Think carefully” - NetSafe
Data “going global”
Helping MPs help constituents
News around the world
Law Commission review of privacy: public registers