Privacy can be a sensitive subject for members

[Bananas5]

Private messages (PMs) are only heard by those members who write and

receive them but can be reported to HU if abusive or a member is at

serious risk

x

The HealthUnlocked support team receives reports of private messages which contain only the specific message that is being reported. It does not contain previous messages or messages that are sent after the report is received. This function is in place as unfortunately, we experience users creating an account to spam/troll others via private message and in other cases, some private messages can become heated and abusive, so it is vital for us to be made aware of these messages in order to stop the situation as quickly as possible due to the vulnerability of some of our users.

Whilst we can request access to private messages via the database, we only carry this out in cases where we absolutely need more information (e.g. potential risk to users) or in cases where we want to check how many people a spammer/troll has messaged so we can limit the number of people affected and reassure them. All HealthUnlocked staff have been trained on data confidentiality and privacy regulations, so in the case where we have to access private messages, we do so with care and diligence to make sure we only acquire the information we need to make appropriate decisions and actions.

[RibvanRey]

Hi Pat. I do hope that this post is not due to yet another spate of spiteful silliness. I have enjoyed 2 days of summer weather. In the last month. I am expecting another one tomorrow. I might even get to buy some food shopping.

Be as well as possible. Rib

[AndrewT]

Dear Bananas- What a great 'Name', by the way,

Yes there does seem to have been, rather an unfortunate, 'Spate of Nastiness' recently. My comments are, very definitely, for ALL to see.

If any New Members are reading this, please DO be aware that, the vast majority, of us are NOT Vindictive. (To anyone who IS like this, I have a message.....'Why don't you do something useful, like actually listening to people!').

Finally Bananas I send you MY Very Best Wishes.

AndrewT

[deejames]

Thanks for this Pat. It's good to know about the protections that are in place.

Dee