Facebook Privacy Failure

Facebook, the largest social networking website today that holding personal information of millions of users, well organized but still there are still uninsured threat of privacy. (Jones & Soltren. 2005) The social networking website that suppose to be a connecting tool has turned into a podium of data leakage. (NST 2010)

It seems that applications in Facebook are providing users data to advertising companies and some online tracking corporate. (Huffington Post 2010) Huffington Post New York also reported that the information shared on Facebook is based on a special “Facebook ID” code owned by each Facebook user, where anonymous people can locate the ID code to search for users’ personal data, even if its set to be private. (2010)

According to The Information Commissioner’s Office, (ICO) organizations can only provide information of users to third parties under certain circumstances such as criminal investigation or arresting any lawbreakers. (ICO 2020) Users should always aware of information that they shared on different media as information will be passed to other organizations in certain circumstances. (ICO 2010) For instance in Facebook, users should always check on their privacy settings of their profile. (BBC 2010) Due to the number of users on Facebook, information can be easily shared by friends and eventually reach the hands of advertisers. (BBC 2010)

Most of times privacy leakage incidents occur due to the users themselves as most of them are not aware or informed regarding the privacy features installed. Survey done by Jones, H. and Soltren, J.H shown that 91% of the 389 respondents failed to go through the Terms of Service and the Privacy Policy (2005) They also stated that users are not aware about the rights of Facebook sharing out users’ data is under the Privacy Policy (2005) The Electronic Privacy Information Center and the American Civil Liberties Union said that the new Facebook privacy setting is revealing more private data, where people don’t need to register to view users basic information and display picture. (Womack 2009) The Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington is commending the social site to reset the privacy policy as it is now more encouraging users to expose more information. (Womack 2009)

Thou Facebook has been a real connector between friends and families, it is always vital for users to be aware of the information being exposed to the public. Users should understand the policies and terms well enough in order to prevent violation of rights.


Reference List:

NST 2010, 'Facebook in, privacy out,' 10 October, viewed 7 November 2010 < http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/16face/Article/ >

Huffington Post 2010, 'Facenook Privacy Breach: Users' Info Leaked To Advertising, Tracking Firms,' 18 October, viewed 7 November 2010 < http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/18/facebook-apps-privacy-bre_n_766107.html#s159259 >

ICO 2010, 'For the public,' viewed 7 November 2010 < http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_the_public.aspx >

BBC 2010, 'Managing your privacy on Facebook,' 14 May, viewed 7 November 2010 < http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10117106 >

Jones, H. & Soltren, J.H. 2005, 'Facebook: Threats to Privacy,' 14 December, viewed 7 November 2010 < http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/classes/6.805/student-papers/fall05-papers/facebook.pdf >

Womack, B. 2009, 'Facebook's New Information-Sharing Options Attract Criticism,' Bloomberg, 12 December, viewed 7 November 2010 < http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a_311Tx4BFwM >