¡¡La App de Seguridad Tecnológica: ¡Actualizada y Ahora en Español!! / Updated Tech Safety App Launches in Spanish!!

¡Estamos muy emocionados/as de anunciar el lanzamiento de la versión en español de la App de Seguridad Tecnológica! Esta app educativa móvil les explica a sus usuarios/as cómo las formas particulares de tecnología pueden ser abusadas para acosar y acechar a alguien, lo que se puede hacer cuando suceda y cómo mejorar la seguridad y la privacidad.

La versión actualizada ahora tiene todo el contenido, incluyendo el texto y el audio, en español. También es más accesible, según las recomendaciones de usuarios/as del Instituto de Justicia Vera que la probaron, a quienes les agradecemos muchísimo por su apoyo durante el proceso de pruebas. También hay una versión nueva de la app en un sitio web para que haya acceso a todo el contenido de la app en línea, algo que le puede ser especialmente útil si alguien no cree que sea una opción segura para él/ella descargar la app. Además, la app ahora está optimizada para tabletas para una mejor experiencia en la pantalla más grande.

Esta app educativa y de recursos explora seis categorías: el acoso, la suplantación de identidad, la seguridad de los teléfonos celulares, la seguridad de los aparatos, la seguridad y la localización y la seguridad en línea. Bajo cada categoría, se proporciona más información con explicaciones específicas sobre lo que alguien puede hacer si están siendo acosado/a y sugerencias sobre la privacidad que se ofrecen para aumentar la privacidad y la seguridad. La app también incluye recursos adicionales sobre la cómo documentar el abuso, hablar con un/a intercesor/a en un programa de violencia doméstica, contactar a la policía, conseguir a un/a abogado/a y adónde llamar para conseguir ayuda.

La App de Seguridad Tecnológica fue creada por el Proyecto Red de Seguridad de NNEDV, que tiene más de 15 años de experiencia trabajando en la intersección de tecnología, seguridad y abuso. Red de Seguridad les ha proporcionado consejo experto, capacitaciones y consultas sobre este asunto a miles de sobrevivientes de abuso, proveedores/as de servicios para víctimas y compañías de tecnología. Esta app es otra manera de poner información en manos de sobrevivientes y añadir una versión en español con más accesibilidad les ayudará a más sobrevivientes y profesionales a utilizarla. La App de Seguridad Tecnológica fue creada con fondos de la Oficina para Víctimas de Crimen (OVC) de la Oficina de Programas de Justicia de la Iniciativa Visión 21 del Departamento de Justicia. 3Advance, basado en DC, desarrolló la infraestructura de CMS y creó las apps móviles multi-plataformas.

Si cree que alguien está monitoreando su teléfono o tableta, en vez de descargar la app, es mejor conseguir acceso a la información de manera más segura en línea. También hay una versión de la app en un sitio web en www.techsafetyapp.com donde es posible leer todo el contenido de la app en línea, algo que le podría ser especialmente útil si cree que descargar la app no es una opción segura. Para más información sobre la app, visite TechSafetyApp.org. También se puede encontrar información legal sobre estados específicos e información sobre la inmigración federal en español e inglés en WomensLaw.org.

-----

We are excited to announce the release of the Spanish language version of the Tech Safety App! This educational mobile app walks users through how particular forms of technology could be misused to harass and stalk someone, what can be done about it, and how to enhance safety and privacy.

The updated version now has all content, including both text and audio, in Spanish. It also has increased accessibility, based on recommendations from test users from the Vera Institute of Justice, who we thank profusely for their support throughout the testing process. There is also a new website version of the app so the entire app content can be accessed online, which is especially helpful if someone does not believe that downloading the app is a safe option for them. Additionally, the app is now tablet-optimized for better experience on the larger display.

This educational and resource app explores six categories: harassment, impersonation, cellphone safety, device safety, location safety, and online safety. Under each category, more information is provided with specific explanations about what someone can do if they are being harassed, and privacy tips are offered that can be used to increase privacy and security. The app also includes additional resources on documenting abuse, talking with an advocate at a domestic violence program, contacting police, getting an attorney, and where to call for help.

The Tech Safety App was created by NNEDV Safety Net Project, which has more than 15 years of experience working on the intersection of technology, safety, and abuse. Safety Net has provided expert advice, trainings, and consultation on this issue to thousands of survivors of abuse, victim service providers, and technology companies. This app is another way to get information into the hands of survivors, and adding a Spanish-language version and increasing accessibility will enable more survivors and professionals to use it. The Tech Safety App was funded by Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice Vision 21 Initiative. DC-based 3Advance developed the CMS infrastructure, and created the multi-platform mobile apps.

If you believe that your phone or tablet may be monitored by someone else, take caution before downloading the app and access the information online in a safer way. There is also a website version of the app at www.techsafetyapp.com where you can access the entire app content online, which is especially helpful if you believe downloading the app is not a safe option. For more information about the app, visit TechSafetyApp.org. You can also find state-specific legal information for survivors and federal immigration information in Spanish and English on WomensLaw.org.

This app was funded through award #2014-VF-GX-K017 from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of DOJ.

To Us, #TechSafetyMeans…

Technology allows us to quickly and easily connect with other people. Technology can be a valuable resource for survivors, granting them access to information, resources, emergency services, and networks of support. However, technology is also often misused by perpetrators to stalk, harass, and control victims. For example, offenders can manipulate technology to track and stalk victims. They can also install spyware on survivors’ devices to secretly monitor and harass them. By hacking or inappropriately accessing a survivor’s webcam, hard drive, or online accounts, abusers can gain access to personal information which can be used to locate the survivor or as blackmail.

The Safety Net project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) addresses the intersection of technology and domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and dating violence. Since technology permeates many aspects of our lives, we at NNEDV strive to ensure that survivors and advocates can utilize technology safely, effectively, and securely.

To us, #TechSafetyMeans...

• Supporting survivors at the local level.

• Making connections and serving survivors through strong statewide networks.

• Advocating for privacy and digital safety at the national level in government, with tech companies, and other allied agencies.

• Ensuring survivors know how to safeguard their privacy and maintain safety on all their devices.

• Creating communities where perpetrators cannot use technology to their advantage.

• Advocating for change that benefits all survivors!

What’s the Deal with Snap Map?

Snapchat recently released a new feature called Snap Map. It was immediately met with a flurry of negative feedback and concerns for user privacy and safety. As with any technology, device, platform, or service, new features can have an unexpected impact on user safety and privacy. The following is our assessment of potential privacy issues and possibilities for misuse within Snap Map.

The Snap Map feature allows users to share their location with other friends on Snapchat and to share Snaps on a map. The ability for others to see your location can definitely sound a little creepy, particularly if you’re concerned about your privacy. While there are a few things to consider and be aware of to protect your privacy, there are also a few features that make us a little less worried about Snap Map.

1.     The user controls the feature, and therefore controls their privacy.
Snap Map is an opt-in feature, not an opt-out feature; meaning it is off by default until a user chooses to turn it on. Opt-in by default is an important safety feature, but it is noteworthy that a person with access to the account could still turn on location sharing without the account owner’s knowledge. Because of this, it’s important that users know how to find the location sharing setting so that they can check to see if someone has turned it on without their permission.

2.     Users also control the audience, even if the feature is on.
If you choose to use Snap Map, you can keep it in Ghost Mode. Ghost Mode means that your location isn’t shared with anyone at all, but that you are able to see yourself on the map. You can also choose between sharing your location with all of your friends, or with just a few select friends. Ghost Mode is the default setting when you have opted into using the Snap Map feature, that way you don’t share your location with anyone unless you choose to, even if you open the feature to check it out. If you decide to no longer share your location, even with a few selected friends, you last location is removed from the map.

3.     Submitted Snaps don’t show username, but images can still be identifying.
You can submit a Snap to “Our Story” to be shared on the Snap Map, although not all submitted Snaps are accepted to be on the Snap Map. Ones that are accepted do not show the username of the person who submitted it, but it will show up on the Snap Map at or near your location. Certain information in the Snap could make it more identifying (signs or landmarks can identify exact location, and clothing or tattoos can identify a person, even if their face isn’t shown). Also, users should be aware that Snaps submitted to “Our Story” may show on Snap Map regardless of their chosen location setting. This is important to consider, especially if other people are in your Snaps and you don’t have their permission to share.

4.     Notifications for the win!
We are always fans of user notifications when there is a feature that could be a potential safety and privacy risk. Snapchat will send reminders if location sharing has been left on for a period of time; making sure that users know their location is being shared. These notifications can also greatly decrease the chance that someone could turn on someone else’s Snap Map without their knowledge.

5.     When you’re sharing, you’re always sharing.
It’s really important to understand that once you opt-in and choose an audience to share your location with, that audience will continually be able to see your updated location every time you open the app, whether or not you are engaging with them or sending anyone a Snap. This might be the biggest concern, since if people don’t clearly understand this they may inadvertently share their location without realizing it.

Overall, Snap Map definitely makes it easier for people to share—and to receive—information about another person’s location. As with similar features on other platforms, users should be cautious and make informed, thoughtful decisions on how to protect their privacy; including if, when, and how they use it. It’s also really important to consider the privacy of others. You might not know what could be a safety or privacy risk for each of your friends, so you should never share images, videos, or location information about others without their consent. The good news is that this feature does have some built-in privacy options and gives users control over what is shared. Learn more about manage your location settings in Snap Map and check out SnapChat’s Approach to Privacy.