OGAM GUIDE
10 Ways to Protect Your Personal Information in Global Chat
Use this privacy checklist for profiles, photos, location clues, external links, account security, scams, and incident response.
Small details shared online can be combined to identify your name, routine, school, or workplace. The strongest first step is deciding in advance which information you will share, with whom, and at what stage of a relationship.
Information to keep private
- Exact home, school, or workplace addresses and regular travel routes
- Phone number, private email, passport, or identity documents
- Bank details, card numbers, passwords, and verification codes
- Family schedules and identifying details about children
- Answers to security questions such as your full birth date or pet’s name
Start with a minimal profile
Use a nickname instead of your full legal name and consider listing a broad region instead of a city. Reusing the same username and portrait across social networks can connect accounts, so separating them may reduce discoverability.
Inspect hidden clues in photographs
Look for badges, uniforms, company logos, delivery labels, license plates, and recognizable views. Photo files may also contain location metadata; review your camera settings and remove metadata before sharing when appropriate.
Do not rush to external apps or links
Outside the platform, its existing reporting and blocking tools may no longer help. Treat shortened URLs, downloads, and login pages cautiously, and never enter account credentials through an unknown link.
Strengthen account security
- Use a long, unique password for every service.
- Turn on two-factor authentication when available.
- Log out on shared devices and avoid saving passwords there.
- Review login alerts and connected devices.
- Never share a password or one-time code, even with someone claiming to be support.
If you already shared sensitive information
Stop sending more, block the account, and change affected passwords. Contact your financial institution immediately if financial details were involved. Preserve the account name and conversation time when reporting threats or impersonation to the platform and relevant local authorities.