safety message
Always remember that computers record everything you do on the computer and on the Internet. Computers store information about what you look at on the Internet, the e-mails you send, and other activities. It is impossible to delete or clear all computer “footprints”.
If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, it might be safer to use a computer in a public library, an Internet Café or at the home of a trusted friend.
Here are some safety tips for computers, phones and social media.
internet
Clear your history or empty your cache files in your browser’s settings by following the below steps.
Google Chrome
At the top right of your browser, click more. Then click history. On the left, you will see an option to clear browsing data. Decide much history you want to delete. Click clear data.
Safari
Select the Safari Menu and click Clear History and Website data. Use the menu to select what data you want to delete and press delete.
Firefox
Select the Library button, click History and click Clear Recent History. Decide how much history you want to delete. Click clear data.
E-mail is not always a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life.
If someone has access to your e-mail account they may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. Make sure you choose a password that someone will not be able to guess. Change your password regularly.
Delete mails in both your inbox and sent folders. Some e-mail programmes can automatically save addresses of mails you have sent and received, so check your address book and delete any contact details you fear could raise suspicions.
If someone sends you threatening or harassing e-mails make sure you print and save them. Although you may be tempted to delete them, especially if they are distressing, they are evidence and may help you prove that a criminal offence has been committed.
social media
Everyone is entitled to use social media and you should feel safe online. You may want to adjust your privacy settings if you are dealing with online abuse. It's possible to block people from your pages, or hide certain information from friends. You can also 'mute' conversations if you are experiencing harassment this way.
Privacy settings can normally be found in Settings. For details on each social media platform, follow the links below:
Privacy settings - click here.
Privacy settings - click here.
Privacy settings - click here.
If someone on social media posts your intimate pictures or videos, you can report them and have them removed. It is wise to take screenshots first if you choose to report the incident to the Gardaí. Below you will find more information on how to report.
How to report - click here.
How to report - click here.
How to report - click here.
Send the URL of the comments page to contact@reddit.com with the subject “Involuntary Pornography Report”.
Snapchat
How to report - click here.
Tik Tok
How to report - click here.
For more information, visit the Cyber Civil Rights website.
phones
Always remember to delete text messages you have sent or received – unless they are messages sent by an abuser.
If you receive threatening or harassing text messages, do not reply to them and keep them as they are evidence. The Gardaí can have these messages downloaded and printed.
To keep a record of these texts or messages, you can 'screenshot' them and save them as photos. For information on how to screenshot on different phones, see below.
iPhone
How to screenshot - click here.
Samsung
How to screenshot - click here.
Huawei
How to screenshot - click here.
If your phone stores delivery reports for text messages that you send, make sure to delete these also.
When making calls please note that traditional landline phones are more private than mobile phones. However it may not be appropriate to use a landline if the abuser has access to itemised bills.
Always remember to check the call register on your phone and delete any numbers that could raise suspicions.