9th February 2010, Brussels
Under the motto "Think before you Post" the from the EU funded Safer Internet Day 2010 is focused primarily on how one deals with privacy in the internet, especially as concerns young people, photos, social networking sites and chatrooms.
Which is naturally a positive thing.
In essence one of the core reasons that people for all kids, run into problems on the internet is because they blindly believe everything they read.
Previously "the camera never lied", we know now they can; and so we have transferred our faith in the internet.
But it does as well.
And not just children are naive in their relationship with the internet. Many adult internet users are, psychologically, at an earlier development stage than most children when it comes to computers and modern technology.
Alone the regularity with which users are taken in by so-called "phising" emails illustrates how many adults simply do not understand the risks that can hide behind a little bit HTML or a clever flash graphic.
The webpage looks nice - it must be genuine.
One of the areas that has blossomed over the internet is the trade in illegal copies of designer furniture classics; for all Bauhaus classics and the works of Charles and Ray Eames.
And regardless how often warnings are given thousands of consumers waste their money - and all too often risk their health - by purchasing the cheap copies.
There are however a few pointers that can help you identify who is genuine and who is only looking to make a quick buck at your expense.
As a general rule the copies are described as being "inspired by" or "in the tradition of" the actual designer: That is assuming that the designers name or the producer is even named; for if the crooks don't use names, it's more difficult for the license holder to press charges.
Generic names provide safety for the criminals: but also a large clue for the consumers.
The second big clue is the price.
If the price is too cheap to be true - it's probably an illegal copy.
There are reasons that some designer furniture pieces cost what they do - and they're not all to do with greed.
In addition to the investment in the development process necessary to bring such a product on the market; designer furniture is made from durable, expensive, materials. Which is also your guarantee of a quality product that should outlive you and possibly even your children.
The cheap copy may not even see the week out.
The third test is the answers you receive from the customer service department. If the retailer is selling officially licensed products they can prove that and will have no problem providing full answers to questions. The crooks will duck and dive and assure you that all is OK...without being able to back it up.
(smow) only sells officially licensed products from producers such as Vitra, Kartell, Artemide, ClassiCon or Tecta.
And have no problem answering questions and providing proof that the products are genuine.
An interesting side-project of Safer Internet Day is the cooperation with INHOPE, the International Association of Internet Hotlines.
INHOPE acts as a central registration point for reporting websites with illegal content. Again principally geared towards protecting children in the internet, there is no reason why users cannot report websites offering illegal copies of designer furniture.
Or perhaps better, tell us. Should you discover a website offering illegal copies of designer furniture classics let us know, and we'll not only report them to the responsible authorities but also build a databank of such sites to help consumers shop safely. And then hopefully we can all have an even happier Safer Internet Day 2011
