Comments on: Facebook, Privacy & a little Self-Control

By: Sid

Sid — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 12:25:46 +0000

Facebook is probably the largest privacy breacher of all time, along with google. It not only uses users data but also reveals them to others.

http://www.brighthub.com/internet/web-development/articles/92499.aspx
Check out this article that explains it all so well in simple way.

By: Jock

Jock — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:47:43 +0000

Not to mention the fact that ANYONE, even you and I, can make an application on Facebook asking for access to information, with no “skill” needed to set these applications up. Facebook may be promoting this function as a better way for making purchases etc. but why do these applictions need to ask for access to your photo’s, email, contacts etc. with the majority of “apps” not allowing use unless you share such information. They play on the fact that the majority of users are unaware of the implications in sharing such information, or do not wish to seem ignorant to legitimate contacts when they send “invites”, and as DigDug has said even something as simple as a conversation with someone can illicit unwanted calls, emails etc. depending on how much detail a user has entered in their informaton. People enter details such as workplace, schooling etc. thinking it is a way for “connected” people to find them on the social site not realising that Faceook passes such information onto 3rd parties and applications for spamming/advertising and now with the “idea” for phone numbers and address information also being “shared”, no doubt the very real potential for being used for criminal purposes.

By: Phred E

Phred E — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:26:03 +0000

How granular are those controls that restrict who gets the information? Can you set that for every transaction, or is one setting when enable allows your information to be shared? Also, what rights does FB have to share your info one you enable it?

Also, what guarantee do you have that your information will not be shared by those FB partners to other parties, are they going to ask your permission first before they share?

Anyway, I thought this was specifically a site to socialize, I didn’t know it was also supposed to be a flea market.

By: Private User

Private User — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:55:30 +0000

There are some instances in which lack of maturity overrides reasoning. Despite years of instruction on safety and social awareness, my 18-year-old daughter rarely recalls those items of importance before she networks. For example, she got a new android phone and used the FB app. Well upon doing so, she apparently agreed to allow her phone number to be posted in her “profile.” She did not read the fine print I suppose but what 18-year-old kid typically does? Sure some do, but probably not all. To my horror, I discovered her exposed number when reviewing my contacts. I brought this to her attention and reminded her of the ramifications of giving out personal information. As you pointed out, it is the owner’s choice on what to do with his/her info. All I could do was inform her and allow HER to make the choice or corrective action, which she did promptly did. She removed the phone number and has since become more aware of her FB transactions. I guess I feel that while you are correct in that it is the user who must maintain responsibility, I feel FB owes a higher level of protection in maintaining privacy coupled with user responsibility. The burden should be upon the network to first assume liability for your privacy protection. As well, some developers will now require personal data to use their apps. Why? So my 18-year-old daughter can be solicited about college loans or offered a sweet 27% interest credit card?

By: Khaled Saed

Khaled Saed — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:40:23 +0000

I agree you with privacy is important. Facebook is great network , not sharing every thing

By: DigDug

DigDug — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:10:21 +0000

Chris, by and large I agree with your article. However, IMHO the social ‘industry’ has a responsibility to at least provide a modicum of a filter b/w its users and enterprise. Consider this…

Several months ago I exchanged half a dozen or so FB messages with a relative regarding a birthday gift for my father, who wanted a new chainsaw. So my relative and I discussed a few brands, etc. I thought it was a very innocuous conversation.

Low and behold, several days later I received a handful of adverts, sent to my personal email address, regarding outdoor equipment sales and chainsaws on sale. My personal email addy was not visible on FB, even for friends.

Then, after a few more days, I actually received a land-line phone call to my work office from a guy who works at an online powertools store, pitching – you guessed it – chainsaws. My work phone number was not listed anywhere on FB, though my place of work was. Thus, someone (or some bot) did a search on my name and my place of work, which a google search would have provided my work tel. number.

Finally, I received two emails at work regarding powertools sales. My work email addy, which was never anywhere on FB, would also appear on a google search by searching my name and employer name. Clearly my mistake was having my place of employment listed.

However, all of this clearly started with a few messages with a FB “friend” regarding buying a chainsaw as a gift. I didnt think the advert bots were able to scan messages b/w two people, but clearly they are and do. I dont think FB should make messages available to advert bots.

Now, some of this may have been my fault, although I believe I had the most stringent security settings set (it is hard to know though since the security settings are always changing). I never clicked any adverts, nor did I ever use any apps on FB – both of which are just asking for trouble.

In the end, I just terminated my FB account altogether. I cant be getting cold called and cold emailed for matters that I discussed with a friend via messages, and I dont think FB should be disseminating that info for what is clearly financial gain.