Protective Group

When on holiday's it is important to check if your photos are being automatically backed up or shared to cloud accounts, family albums or shared devices.

Photos can automatically upload to iCloud, Google Photos, shared family accounts, tablets, laptops, smart displays and other linked devices without much thought. In some situations, this can reveal where someone is staying, who they are with, what they are doing and places they have visited.

This is especially important for victim-survivors because privacy risks are not limited to social media posts.

It is also important to remember that screenshots are photos too. If a person takes a screenshot of accommodation details, booking confirmations, maps, messages, safety plans, travel tickets or children’s arrangements, that screenshot may also automatically back up and sync just like any other image.

Protective Group recommend:
• check which cloud account your phone is signed into
• review whether photos and screenshots are automatically backing up
• look at whether images are syncing to shared albums, family accounts, tablets, laptops or smart displays
• check whether location data is attached to photos
• be mindful of screenshots that contain addresses, bookings, tickets, conversations or safety information
• review children’s devices as well, because their phones or tablets may also sync photos and screenshots
• where safe, remove access to old, shared accounts or devices that no longer need to be connected

A simple check of photo, screenshot and cloud settings before travelling can help protect privacy, location and peace of mind.

Visit protectivegroup.com.au/safety-tips/ for more safety tips.

If you are concerned about yourself, family member or friend please call:
Australia: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support services or if in danger now call 000.
New Zealand: 0800 733 843 or if in danger now call 111.

During holidays it can be an especially important time to think about safety, particularly for anyone who may be away from their home, routine, or usual support network.

Travel, family time, and school holiday plans can bring added pressure, and for some people they can also increase vulnerability. While no one should have to live this way, a few small safety steps can help create a little more control in a difficult situation.

Protective Group recommend:
• keep your phone with you at all times, along with some money if it is safe to do so
• if you have a back-up phone, make sure it is charged and ready to use, and that there is credit available if it is pre-paid
• if travelling interstate, be aware of local domestic violence support services and important contact numbers
• if travelling internationally, learn or save the local emergency number before you go
• if children are travelling with you, consider keeping extra copies of important documents for both you and them in a safe place
• where possible, a trusted friend or family member may be able to safely hold copies as an added backup

School holidays can also be a time to quietly check in on people you care about.

If you are worried about a friend or family member experiencing domestic violence, letting them know you are there, keeping your phone close, and being ready to respond if they reach out can make a real difference. Sometimes safety starts with one person being aware, available and calm in a moment of need.

Visit protectivegroup.com.au/safety-tips/ for more safety tips.

If you are concerned about yourself, family member or friend please call:
Australia: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support services or if in danger now call 000.
New Zealand: 0800 733 843 or if in danger now call 111.