The risks with selfies – how much attention are you paying to what you post?

It is not uncommon for business people to upload the occasional 'selfie' as a means to connect with their customers on a more personal level. Whilst posting your photos on social networking channels can create welcome interest in your business, there is a significant risk in unintentionally disclosing private or confidential information.

British Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, found himself being accused of breaching patient confidentiality earlier this year. After visiting a local hospital, Hunt commended medics, posing for a picture beside them which he uploaded to his personal Twitter account. Unfortunately, his picture also captured a whiteboard of patients' names in the background. Just minutes later, the original photo was replaced with the amended image below – no longer featuring the confidential information.