Internet users often download software that permits them to enjoy Web activities such as instant messaging, listening to audio files, playing online games, viewing video clips and exchanging files. Much of the software needed for these activities is free - all users have to do is download the software, fill in a registration form and go!

All this sounds terrific, and it can be - but there's a hidden cost. If registration forms aren't filled out carefully, there can be a risk to personal safety and privacy. On the Internet, as in the real world, it's "let the buyer beware."

Before completing any registration form, you should always:

• Read and understand the terms and conditions
  
  
• Be clear about how much information you have to submit, what will be done with the information, and who will have access to it
  
  
• Check the default settings in the form, and change any that may compromise your personal privacy
  
  
• Make sure you're not pressured into giving out information you don't feel comfortable sharing - an especially important point for young people, who are usually accustomed to doing what they're told!

To illustrate these points, let's look at the registration process for a popular instant messaging software. When users download this software to their computer's hard drive, they have to complete this process before they can start instant messaging.

1. Before the registration process begins, users are required to read and accept the conditions of a long and complex licence agreement. Most people tend to skip over such fine print, but it's important to read it carefully if children or young people will use the software. This licence agreement mentions a number of possible hazards associated with instant messaging - such as exposure to objectionable materials, unauthorized use of your nickname or password, or receiving contaminated files that may infect your computer's hard drive with viruses - and disavows any responsibility if they happen to users.
   
   
   
    
   
   
2. When the registration process starts, users are told that providing information about themselves is voluntary - and also that any personal information they do provide will be accessible to other users. Those are two good reasons to avoid submitting personal information in the first place.
   
   
   
    
   
   
3. Throughout the registration process, however, users are actively encouraged to give information about themselves: their first and last name, address and email address, gender, birth date, personal interests, and even employment history.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. This particular company is particularly aggressive about getting users' email addresses. Users who don't submit an email address receive several prompts reminding them to do so - even though giving this information is entirely optional.
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. It's important to note the default setting responses to questions in the registration form. For example, the default settings in the registration process are all "yes" for the questions: "I wish to participate in market research," "My IP address can be published online," and "Anyone can contact and see me when I'm online." If you don't want those options, you will have to de-select them.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. In the end, all you really need to register for this instant messaging software is a nickname and a password. However, it's easy to see how pressure tactics like these might make people submit more personal information than is necessary.

The bottom line is that an adult should always help kids to fill out the registration form for instant messaging, or any other downloadable software. Helping young people to understand the concept of reading the fine print - for registration forms or anything else - is a good start to teaching them the critical thinking skills they need for their Internet explorations.