How to destroy your future with social networks

Millions of young people could damage their futurecareers with the details about themselves they post on socialnetworking websites, a watchdog warns.

The Information Commissioner's Office found more than half of those asked made most of their information public.
Some 71% of 2,000 14 to 21-year-olds said they would notwant colleges or employers to do a web search on them before they hadremoved some material.
The commission said the young needed to be aware of their electronic footprint.

Vetting tool
The ICO also said young people could be puttingthemselves at risk of identity fraud because of the material they poston social networks such as Facebook and MySpace.
The data regulator's survey found that two thirds ofthose questioned accepted as friends on such websites people they didnot even know.
Some 60% posted their date of birth, a quarter put their job title and almost one in 10 gave their home address.
ICO deputy commissioner David Smith said: "Many youngpeople are posting content online without thinking about the electronicfootprint they leave behind.
"The cost to a person's future can be very high ifsomething undesirable is found by the increasing number of educationinstitutions and employers using the internet as a tool to vetpotential students or employees."

'Wise up'
The survey found 95% were concerned about their details being passed on to advertisers or other websites.
There were 54% who cared "a lot" about how their personal information was used.
Mr Smith said: "This shows that when young people aremade aware that their details could be being passed between parties -legitimate or unscrupulous - they are worried.
"We have to help teenagers wise up to every aspect ofthe internet age they're living in. It may be fun but unfortunately itis not the safe space many think it is."
The ICO has launched a new website to help young people understand their information rights.