To share your personal information appropriately, consider the following key guidelines:
Timing and Context
- Share personal information only when the time, place, and relationship are appropriate. Ensure the setting is private and the other person is receptive, avoiding sharing sensitive details in professional or unsuitable contexts
- Plan your disclosure thoughtfully, so you are sure you want to share and can do so in a secure and comfortable environment
Gradual Disclosure
- Ease others into sensitive information by "inoculating" them with smaller, related pieces of information first. This helps gauge their reaction and prepares them for more personal disclosures
Security and Privacy Measures
- Use secure methods to share personal information, especially when it involves sensitive data. This includes verifying the identity of the recipient, using encrypted or secure communication channels, and avoiding sharing information in public or insecure settings
- When sharing by phone, confirm the requester's identity and ensure the conversation cannot be overheard
- For physical documents, use sealed envelopes marked "Private and Confidential" and keep information secure during transport
- Online, use strong passwords, avoid oversharing on social media, be cautious with public Wi-Fi, and only share information on secure websites
Consent and Transparency
- Share information with consent when possible, respecting others' wishes regarding confidentiality
- Be transparent about why you are sharing information and how it will be used to build trust and ensure responsible handling
Personal Responsibility
- Think carefully before sharing personal details, ask questions about how your information will be used, and speak up if you have privacy concerns
- Avoid sharing sensitive identifiers like Social Insurance Numbers unless absolutely necessary and only with trusted parties
By following these principles—choosing the right time and place, securing the information, sharing gradually, respecting consent, and maintaining transparency—you can share your personal information appropriately and protect your privacy effectively.
