Identity verification which relies on a simple email address alone is no longer sufficient to protect customers and the public from increasing numbers of fraudulent accounts and the subsequent distress and damage they can cause.
“Social media relies heavily on trust and building a good relationship with your followers. Online impersonators or cyber-squatters can completely ruin that trust and can seriously damage your business and reputation.”
She is calling on other social networking sites to follow her lead and introduce more stringent verification of accounts to protect members from fake accounts.
Members of Ecademy, the global business networking site founded by Power, are now being asked to verify their identity with a straightforward new system. Members can display a special ‘Safe Networking’ logo only when they have confirmed their identity via a valid credit or debit card and agreed to abide by the terms and condition of safe networking on Ecademy.
“With the rising cases of identity theft, anonymous abuse and cyber bullying across the web, online networkers need reassurance that social networks are doing everything they can to ensure the web is a trusted and safe place to communicate, socialise and do business. Our new Safe Networking Initiative shows our commitment to a future based on safe social networking for everyone and ensures we can take action if a member breaches these terms. It is a move we hope other sites will decide to follow,” says Power.
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Editors Notes
Ecademy connects business people all over the world. Founded in 1998 by husband and wife team Thomas and Penny Power, it is privately owned and sustains itself through subscription. Ecademy has a presence in over 200 countries. For more information visit www.ecademy.com
For press information, hi res images or to arrange an interview please contact Rebecca King on 01603 283 506 or email rebecca@mediajems.co.uk. Alternatively, please contact Jenna Gould on 07958 263 708.
