Network + Etiquette = NETIQUETTE

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Netiquette is a collective term used to describe the proper conduct, manner and behaviour that is required whenever online. It’s a shortened term or word for “Internet Etiquette” or “Network Etiquette”. Netiquette must be practised in all forms of e-communication such as e-mail, chats, blogs, message boards and others.  


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With the increasing popularity and usage of the internet and other e-communication media are the increasing challenges people encounter when it comes to its proper usage. Problems regarding etiquette have increased because a lot of cases like identity theft, slander, blackmail, extortion and others have become more rampant. Governing bodies have now started to create and implement guidelines when it comes to the proper usage and conduct in using the internet. People who use the internet need to know this information in order to avoid miscommunication that may lead to the violation of another person’s rights or worse it may even result to a criminal offence.


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There are a lot of netiquettes but for this specific article we will be focusing on three important netiquettes that we need to follow and remember at all times.

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First, obey copyright laws. Don’t steal. This means that ideas and products posted online are under copyright laws unless stated otherwise. Here in the Philippines, a law regarding copyright and intellectual property has been passed on January 1988. This was passed during the time of Fidel V. Ramos. It is Republic Act 8293 also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, an Act Prescribing the Intellectual Property Code and Establishing the Intellectual Property Office, Providing for Its Powers and Functions, And for Other Purposes. Copyright laws protect the integrity of creators and their creations. One of the most controversial copyright cases here in the Philippines was the between a local brand (Big Mak) and an international brand (McDonalds). Although this example was not an online battle it can still be used as an example for this specific article. In 2000, the Court of Appeals (CA) threw out the complaint filed by McDonalds against Big Mak. McDonalds sued Big Mak over its name and logos however it has been identified that Big Mak’s name was not based on the popular product by McDonalds but it came from the name of the owner’s parent’s name Maxima and Kimsoy. Their logos also show notable differences in terms of the shape, size and color. McDonalds was ordered by the Court of Appeals to pay 1.9 million to Big Mak for the damages the issue has cost.  


photo from http://www.redriff.southwark.sch.uk

Second, keep personal information private. With the rise of identity theft and internet anonymity, divulging too much information online is highly inadvisable. Personal information must be kept private at all time because this can be used by people with wrong intentions for their own advantage. They can use the personal information they’ve gathered to blackmail or extort individuals. Recently a case of information theft has been recorded. A man named Gabriel Makay planned on getting several  credit cards replaced with the use of other people's information. He was able to gather information of certain individuals and he used their information to request for a credit card replacement. However, he was unsuccessful in terms of requesting a credit card that he can use for his own benefit. Government officials have urged the public to be extra cautious in terms of making any transaction either online, over the phone or establishments to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

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Third, always think before posting. One of the benefits of e-communication is permanence. Permanence can also be your worst enemy. Once something is uploaded on the internet it will be difficult to take it down. At times it can even be impossible. Information posted online will always re-surface regardless of the time or date. It may even change the perception of the truth because of the way it was written. Not all information posted online reflects the truth. There are times that information posted online lacks enough substance or has too much unnecessary items included. Examples of permanence in the internet that can be your worst enemy are the recent controversies regarding the Philippine News Agency's incompetence as a governing body that handles information. They have posted content which are not properly edited. You will notice that the information posted online did not go through the process of proofreading. People who were able to come across the articles immediately took a screenshot of PNA's blunders and their incomplete content has spread like wildfire online. Their credibility has been questioned by a lot of people and this becomes a reminder for everyone to always think before they post to avoid becoming the center of attention in the wrong way.

photo from https://assets.rappler.com

photo from https://assets.rappler.com

Social Networking Sites will never be obsolete but they will constantly evolve and develop. If I would have the opportunity to become a developer, I will make a program that can be downloaded, installed and used by Social Networking Sites that will detect, reject and ban accounts that are used to troll and hide with anonymity to spread false information. This program will make the online world a better place.

photo from https://media.licdn.com


REFERENCES
Caadan, J. (2017, January 16). McDonald’s Corporation v. L.C. Big Mak Burger (G.R. No. 143993). Retrieved October 07, 2017, from https://thestudentandthelaw.wordpress.com/2016/06/09/mcdonalds-corporation-v-l-c-big-mak-burger-g-r-no-143993/

Mateo, J. (n.d.). PNA's blooper: Pineapple firm's logo used for DOLE. Retrieved October 07, 2017, from http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/08/13/1728392/pnas-blooper-pineapple-firms-logo-used-dole

Porcalla, D. (n.d.). `Big Mak' wins infringement case filed by McDonald's. Retrieved October 07, 2017, from http://www.philstar.com/headlines/86816/big-mak-wins-infringement-case-filed-mcdonalds

Data Privacy Act of 2012... An Antidote to Identity Theft in the Philippines. (2016, August 16). Retrieved October 07, 2017, from https://hrepreflibrarian.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/data-privacy-act-of-2011/

Identity theft suspect falls. (n.d.). Retrieved October 07, 2017, from http://www.philstar.com/metro/2017/04/07/1688420/identity-theft-suspect-falls

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