Online safety terms

AI

AI stands for artificial intelligence. There are loads of different kinds of AI but when people talk about it, they usually mean generative AI. This kind of AI takes in huge amounts of information to then generate something new based off it.

AI can be used in lots of different ways, from looking up information to creating art. It can be very helpful, but it can also be misused.

Information AI gives may not always be accurate and there are times when it may not be helpful. Remember that you should never share personal information with AI, and you should always fact check responses, as they may not be accurate.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a type of cryptocurrency that is used all over the world and isn’t controlled by any government or country. Bitcoin uses a blockchain to track whenever money is transferred, but those transfers are anonymous.

Bitcoin is used by lots of different people, but because it is anonymous it can also be used for crimes or scams online.

Blackmail

This is when someone threatens to share things about you if you don’t do what they say. This could include demanding you do things or give something like money.

Get support if you’re being blackmailed.

Bots

Bots are programs designed to act like people and are used in all kinds of ways. Bots might be used to add players to an online game or help someone navigate a website.

Some bots are designed to spread fake news or scam people. A bot might post false information under a video or share a fake review to make something seem better than it is.

Bots can sometimes be easy to spot, but not always. Sometimes it can be impossible to tell whether something was written by a bot or a person. Get more advice on taking care of yourself online.

Catfishing

This is when someone creates a fake profile online to trick, scam, or fool other people. Someone might pretend to be a celebrity or real person, or they could use AI to create someone completely new.

There are lots of reasons someone might choose to create a fake account, and it can be very difficult to tell whether someone really exists.

Talking to someone online? We’ve got advice to make you safer.

Coercion

This is when someone makes you do something you don’t want to. It could involve threats, or making you feel like you can’t say no.

Coercion can be part of domestic abuse. If it’s happening to you, you’re not alone and we’re here to help.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that only exists online. It uses a blockchain to track any time the money is transferred.

There are lots of different kinds of cryptocurrencies, but the most well known is Bitcoin.

Cryptocurrencies are used by lots of different people, but they can also be used in scams online.

Digital footprint

Whenever you post, share, or create something online, you add to your digital footprint. Some things you share online might never be seen again, others might last forever.

Your digital footprint is important because it can make it easier for people to work out who you are, or might impact your future if you share things you later regret.

Find out more about your digital footprint.

Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling is when someone is stuck in a cycle of continually scrolling down a social media feed without feeling satisfied or happy.

There are lots of reasons someone might start doomscrolling, but there are ways to break the cycle and feel more positive.

Get advice on feeling positive online.

Echo chamber

This is when someone only looks at facts or opinions that match what they already think. For example, someone might only watch videos or talk online to people who they agree with.

Lots of communities online can become echo chambers over time, especially if people feel safer or more comfortable talking to others who agree with them.

Being in an echo chamber can feel safer sometimes, but it’s not always healthy. Sometimes it can make you:

• feel more extreme in your beliefs
• forget that not everyone agrees with you
• stop thinking about things in new and creative ways.

Exploitation

This is when someone is using you for their own benefit, and that isn’t okay.

Sometimes someone might threaten, blackmail, or make you feel like you have to do something. That’s a form of exploitation and if it’s happening, we’re here to support you.

Fake news

Fake news is when a something is presented as true when it isn’t. It could be a post, news report, an image, or anything else you see online.

Fake news is sometimes made to make you react a certain way or to get you to engage with some content. Sometimes it’s done by accident, like when someone shares information they’ve heard before checking it.

Get tips and advice on avoiding fake news.

Financially motivated sexual extortion

This is a crime where someone threatens to share sexual images or videos of you unless you give them money or some kind of payment.

If someone is threatening you, you’re not alone and there are ways we can help you.

Grooming

Grooming is when someone builds your trust and makes a connection with you to get you to do something sexual or illegal. Being groomed is something that can happen to anyone.

Find out more about grooming.

Hacking

This is when someone gets access to an online account or a computer they’re not meant to.

Hacking could be as simple as guessing someone’s password, or it could involve tricking you into giving them access. We’ve got lots of advice about how to protect yourself from hackers.

Malware

Malware is short for malicious software. It’s a program that’s designed to steal information from your computer or device, cause damage, or help other people gain access to it.

Get advice on staying safe online from malware and viruses.

Misinformation and disinformation

Misinformation and disinformation are very similar, they both refer to people spreading fake news or information that’s not true.

The difference between them is that disinformation is done on purpose. It’s when someone shares information they know to be false. Someone might do that to:

• get you to click on an article
• change your mind about something or someone
• make you feel angry, scared, or upset
• sell you something.

Misinformation is when people share things that aren’t true without realising. Lots of people can do this, for example:

• sharing a screenshot or photo with a caption that’s not true
• posting an article with information that isn’t true
• spreading a rumour or lie that you don’t realise is false.

There are lots of ways to make sure what you’re seeing and sharing is accurate, and we’ve got advice to help.

Pharming

This is when you’re redirected to a fake website that looks like it’s real. It might involve being given a dodgy link, or someone hacking the Wi-Fi or computer you’re using.

Some fake websites are easy to spot, but others might look exactly like the site they’re copying.

There are lots of ways to protect yourself, including avoiding pressing links you’re sent or only using Wi-Fi you trust. Get more advice on staying safe online.

Phishing

This is a type of scam when someone tries to get things like your username or password. Someone will contact you pretending to be someone they’re not and will ask you to share information or press a link.

Phishing can happen via calls, messages, emails, or even in person. People doing this may try make things sound urgent or scary so you don’t have time to think.

Find out more about protecting yourself from phishing.

Privacy settings

Your privacy settings are an important part of your online profiles. They allow you to set who can see your content and information, and they can stop people from finding your account.

Every site and app is different, so it can be good to check your privacy settings regularly.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a kind of software that’s used to make it so people can’t access anything they’ve got saved. Someone’s files, photos, or documents are encrypted and locked behind a password.

Criminals use ransomware and make people pay them money to decrypt their files.

Rage bait

This is something that’s been posted online to make people angry. It’s usually done on purpose as it can make people feel like they need to share, comment, or engage with a piece of content.

Remember, if you see something abusive or hurtful then you can always report it.

Revenge Porn

This is a type of abuse that involves someone sharing or threatening to share sexual images or videos of you. It’s never okay for people to share sexual images of you without your consent.

If you’re under 18, you can use Report Remove to get images and videos taken down from the internet.

Get more support with revenge porn.

Sextortion and financial sextortion

This is a term that is sometimes used online or in the media. It’s when someone demands money or other kinds of payment and threatens to share sexual photos or videos if they’re not paid.

If this happens, it is abuse and is against the law. There are lots of ways to get support.

Social engineering

Social engineering is a type of manipulation where someone will try to trick you into sharing personal information or things like your username and password. Sometimes this can involve finding information about you online to make it easier to trick you.

There are lots of ways to protect yourself from social engineering:

• Be careful what personal information you share online and think about how pieces of information might be used.
• Never give out your password or PIN number.
• Be careful about clicking links in messages or emails.
• Take time to think before responding or reacting to a message, especially if someone is trying to make things sound urgent.
• Talk to an adult you trust to get a second opinion.

Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is where you use an app, email address, or phone number to confirm it’s you that’s logging in. For example, an app might send a code to your email for you to copy after you’ve entered a password.