Are you a social media junkie? Keep these tips in mind while browsing in Qatar

Are you a social media junkie, who swears by selfies and lives 24x7 on the Internet, updating followers about your life on a constant basis? Do you find joy in downloading and installing a number of new applications, whether you need it or not?

If this description fits you like a glove, then Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has an advice for you — be cautious while using applications that share content and personal data.

The CRA, in a statement, said it “encouraged the creation of appropriate digital content and use of technology, but it also intended to create awareness among netizens to stay safe and vigilant when sharing and accessing multimedia, personal or promotional content.”

The consumer alert specifically cautioned users about apps like SnapChat, Periscope, Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc, which provide audio, video and multimedia content that may be offensive, sensitive or entirely inappropriate culturally, for underage audiences or for security of individuals and businesses.

Consumers play an equally important part in helping CRA deliver its mandate for consumer protection by staying safe and cautious when using such apps.

The CRA has given the following guidelines for the safe use of social media apps.

* Monitor app usage by minors

One should ensure that minor children in the family or under one’s care are using age-appropriate apps. Several social media apps have minimum-age requirements; you should encourage children to respect and abide by such requirements. When unavoidable, monitor and supervise children’s usage of apps that may display age-inappropriate content. It is also advisable to use age restrictions in settings on smart devices that are used exclusively by children without adult supervision.

* Download official apps

Where possible, people should use apps that are locally available to ensure that the content they are accessing or sharing is culturally appropriate.

* Report inappropriate content

If users come across any content that they feel is explicit or inappropriate culturally, they should report it to the service provider.

* Protect your personal data

Sharing personal information, photographs, location and contacts - publicly or with apps - may result in undesirable outcomes.