The
whining and gnashing of teeth that immediately greet any changes to Facebook have become a cliched
social networking punchline. The site, though, is currently being hammered over very real and pertinent concerns that go far beyond mere member tempter-tantrums.
The brouhaha began early last year when Facebook implemented, and then
almost immediately retracted, new Terms of Service that many believed would give the site perpetual ownership of member information (like photographs). Over the course of the last year, despite the reversal, those concerns over privacy have only escalated, and some
recent revelations by an anonymous Facebook employee should only serve to intensify the cacophony of complaints.
The spike in Facebook vitriol has amplified primarily because of
December changes to Facebook's privacy guidelines. The new user settings were initially described as a method for members to completely control their profile activities. People steadily identified some glaring holes in the supposed security measures, though, including the inability to securely lock down profile pictures, fan pages, and friends lists.
According to the unnamed snitch, those aren't the only issues, as the employee claims that everything you do is not only permanently stored and saved, but completely available to Facebook staff and associates. The site All Facebook has
expectedly and deservedly retaliated to the whistleblower claims, and has dismissed the supposed revelations as common knowledge with which all Facebook members should be completely familiar.
Speaking to the Rumpus, the Facebook worker asserted that when a member makes "any sort of interaction on Facebook -- upload a photo, click on somebody's profile, update your status, change your profile information," that activity is stored on Facebook's servers. In order to identify a member's "best friends," a feature which quietly debuted recently, the site tracks and stores (at one of four massive data centers) every possible interaction. All Facebook countered by saying this practice is "widely known," and that "if you don't want Facebook collecting information about you, don't give it to them." (Excellent customer service --
MySpace would be thrilled if Facebook adhered to an official "take it or leave it" approach.)
One of the most troubling revelations in the anonymous interview is the claim that any Facebook employee could log into any member account with a single master password (which was some derivation of Chuck Norris -- not so funny in this scenario). The shadowy interviewee also said that various employees (at least two of whom were terminated) were caught inappropriately using that password to
gain access to accounts. But, according to some, that password issue "isn't really that big of a deal." That may not sound comforting, but the site says it has a zero tolerance policy for snooping and it has also created a Chief Privacy Officer position.
The comprehensive interview covers even more topics, including fascinating discussions on developments in "psychological analysis," incredibly creepy Facebook interactions, the low-down on the huge programming nerds, and Facebook's international future. Lastly, make sure to check out All Facebook to get both sides of the story. [From:
The Rumpus and
All Facebook]
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Facebook's Most Annoying Things
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Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated by Christmas trees and ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are more than a month away.
Black Friday, traditionally, is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off of their holiday bills. Switched.com checked with a few elves, who gave a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.
Blu-ray Players and Movies: Blu-ray is shaping up to be the biggest door buster of this year's Black Friday. de Grandpre expects at least one retailer will offer a Blu-ray player for just $49. Look for bargains on Blu-ray films as well, with last year's hit titles (such as "Iron Man") to fall as low as $5.
Laptops: With the proliferation of Netbooks this year, it's never been easier to find affordable portable computing, but Dan de Grandpre, CEO of DealNews.com says it will get even cheaper on Black Friday. Look for well-equipped Netbooks to sell for $199 – and basic 15" laptops to go for as little as $249.
HDTVs (Pretty big): The holidays are typically the best time to buy a new TV – and Black Friday is the time to do it. If you're looking for a normal sized set, you're in luck. Piper Jaffrey analyst Mitch Kaiser says he expects to see 32-inch LCD sets for as low as $299. GottaDeal.com is estimating 37-inch plasma and LCD sets will fall to $399 or less.
HDTVs (Really big): Need something bigger? How about a 46-47 inch LCD set for $599 – a 25 percent savings? Or a 52-inch LCD for $999? Dealnews says you can expect both. Plasma deals will be a little harder to come by, but a 50-inch set should run roughly $899.
HD Camcorders: You've wanted to shoot your child's school play in HD for a while, but haven't been able to spring for the pricey camcorder. This might be the year. Low-end, flash-based 720p models could drop as low as $60 (though you won't be able to zoom with those). Expect a high quality 1080p HD camcorder for $349.
GPS: While navigation systems have dramatically expanded their reach this year – even making it onto the iPhone – there's still a market for car-based systems. Dealnews predicts you'll be able to find a no-name entry-level system for $49, while a Garmin or Tom-Tom brand will be as low as $69.
Digital Picture Frames: Showcasing your digital pictures consistently gets cheaper. This year, skip the 7-inch screens and focus on the 8- or 9-inch ones, which should be available on Black Friday for as little as $30.
Monitors: Computer monitors might not be the sexiest of gifts, but they're usually welcomed with open arms – and they'll be cheap this year. Name brand 22-inch LCD models may go for as low as $99, while 24-inch models will drop below $150.
Memory: Don't know anyone who needs a monitor? External hard drives are always popular, since they're an easy way to back-up data. Dealnews expects a 1TB drive to fall as low as $49 this year. Gottadeal is looking for 8GB flash drives to hit $15.
Tags: facebook, facebook membership, facebook privacy, facebook terms of service, FacebookMembership, FacebookPrivacy, FacebookTermsOfService, top
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Comments
55
Subscribe to commentsLusciousJan 15th 2010 10:38AM
How is this shocking? Tons of websites trace every click you make, have algorithms designed to cater to your preferences, and of course admins should have unlimited access to the site (not to be abused, of course).
Personally I'd be more concerned about the companies that have similar practices and datas that maintain more important information, and that are NOT just a social networking site that you WILLINGLY put information / photos on. For example, Microsoft/T-mobile's servers that store Sidekick messages, contacts, etc, which if that is your phone you have no choice but to rely on, Google, which monitors and stores all your searches and emails, both of those are examples of companies that have information more important and integral to our lives than Facebook.
jrsimp61Jan 16th 2010 10:01AM
One pit fall many people who use facebook and other social networking services is that they can, and are, monitored by your employers, potential employers - if you're looking for a job - and by certain alphabet government agencies.
Not to cause a "Big Brother" panick, but one needs to be careful of how one uses these services.
Be careful of who you invite to become "one's friends", be careful of what you say and how you say it. Try to keep from using people's names, as well as the type and amount of personal information one places on these sites for all the world to see.
mrtstormJan 17th 2010 10:51AM
With regard to Facebook, keep it professional, and for the love of what is good and proper, keep your sensitive information (things like financial info, any scrapes with the law, etc) you will be fine. Also, many professionals are members. My COO of the company I work for (1500 employee company) is a member and has access to what he ca view (by choice) and thus I keep the bad and ugly (not that there all that much to begin with) off this.
Bottom line here is, I post on what I see with regards to the upcoming weather (I make my own outlook). I make brief comments on my interests. I also take the time to correct any spelling (FB helps with that) and such. FB was meant to be a big cut above My Space in that it was a site so professionals and semi-pros could interact. It is a way to further (and thus inhibit) your career.
debsnulife123Jan 17th 2010 6:41AM
"Former Employee" of Facebook? Whistleblower? So what, he's not saying anything that any other employee of Facebook would not openly tell you.
My point is everyone knows that you NEVER put on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn etc anything you don't want put on TV or local newspaper.
If you want your life to be private, YOU keep it that way.
No matter where you work, IT has a way to look at where you search and what you do on your computer.
Why is it a surprise that Facebook saves information? It's a business just like any other business.
If you agreed to the TOS, then you agreed for them to save your information.
tarp_412Jan 17th 2010 1:12PM
I really do not belive that people is so dum that they will put their very personal items and things on face book Me personally I do Not i make up things to put in those spots for it really is no ones bussiness the real answeres to those questions. And i only tell anyone things i want them to know and thet is very little .. So u do as u please and i will contuine to do as i do ... For facebook empolyees are not the only ones who looks and nosies there r others go figure them out .......Have A Wonderful Face book yr
dls031568Jan 17th 2010 6:45AM
go on..... keep posting all your personal chit on these buss chit sites..... EVERY SINGLE ONE IS WATCHED!!!! so keep posting your nude pics, what you like to do to get your freak on and all the drugs you like to do, because someone is aware of EVERYTHING YOU DO!!!!!!!
ted05acg1Jan 17th 2010 6:59AM
you people stop complaining becouse for this stupid problems face book you well see they going to take some action the people thay dont have the chance to even look inside tthis webside
lacubanisimaJan 17th 2010 7:57AM
I retired from the phone company (cellular division)... Do you think, for a second, there anything ABOUT YOU we don't know? If you have a phone, WE KNOW and friends of friends who work for the company DO let their friends know stuff about you! Don't be a fool. Someone, wants FaceBook's popularity to diminish so they can profit... When used with COMMON SENSE, which seems to have left this country/the world, FaceBook is the greatest way to communicate with friends and loved one ALL OVER THE WORLD. You have to trust somebody right? Or live in a bubble and have no entertainment whatsover, no fun. Afraid to breath... Pleeeeze stop the nonsense!
bawannajackJan 17th 2010 8:02AM
WOW, big suprise...... Who would have known..... duhhhhhh.
annettehansenJan 17th 2010 8:28AM
If you don't want your secret known, don't tell it !
joeJan 17th 2010 7:34PM
There should be warnings posted on facebook and all other sites of this sought.The warning should include anything you post in print or picture can be hazardous to your future concerning your reputation or employment. You may also be liable for slander and any action taken by others as a result of what you post.Some warning to this effect should be posted before you sign on.Kids dont read fine print. They do what there friends do.That said, these sites are great for communication and fun and give people a platform on there actions and thoughts.used wisely,these sites are a positive tool for communicating and learning about people across the planet. JOE CAPRIO
LellJan 21st 2010 11:08AM
It's all there in the TOS...
LellJan 21st 2010 11:10AM
And, it's called accountability!
BIG-TARGETJan 17th 2010 8:55AM
Thanks to computer, and the internet in general, PRIVACY is an illusion!
BobJan 17th 2010 8:59AM
Of course this something thats really isn't new BUT alot Facebook geeks don't truly realize Facebook's Security really sucks! I hate Facebook its gives me MORE problems than enjoying the use of it. I'm so glad I use my Professional network - Linked In . Way better - Linked In Security is five times better than Facebook. Facebook is a weak site when it comes to security. People love it because of the social events of chatting - nice until they find out people are stealing thier identity or taking thier personal information. Till this day I can't understand why people use Facebook particularly when they KNOW Facebook has a security problem - they still use it. What a bunch of morons! Well if you have Facebook and had problems - all I have to say is: YOU DESERVE IT FACEBOOK IDIOTS!
BonnieJan 17th 2010 9:16AM
Does anyone know any information about the mini-chat window? Is that observed, preserved, whatever? Thanks.
justchillinJan 17th 2010 9:29AM
If you do not want anybody to know your business..the only way to do it is to crawl inside a cave and stay there for the rest of your life. Otherwise the "Big Brother is watching at all times. Like the Christmas song goes.....he sees you when you sleeping he knows when you awake. he knows when you been good or bad....
so be good for goodness sake.
abaJan 17th 2010 9:42AM
i guess i'm stupid, but i actually didn't think phone companies had that much access to your personal life, maybe how long you spend on the phone but nothing else. as for facebook, these social sites are very stupid anyway. who wants to be friends with random people you don't even know that well? you can't trust ANYONE now of days. every one is either on drugs, drinks too much or is a sex addict, and not to mention RUDE! every time i meet a new person i love my cat even more.
KellyJan 17th 2010 10:28AM
I've NEVER trusted Facebook, MySpace, or any of those agencies, of COURSE they have total access to your information, of COURSE they can use it any way they wish, how could anyone ever doubt that? I will never sign up for an account on one of those websites, you're only asking for trouble. Look at all the government, professional people, new job applicants, students that have gotten in trouble because of what they posted and subsequently been unable to remove on websites like this. You're turning over all rights to your privacy when you set up a profile on one of these sites. And check out the article this was written about in, they called him an "unnamed snitch," and a "shadowy interviewee" and stated "Facebook has expectedly and DESERVEDLY retaliated..." Who wrote this article, a Facebook executive? If you're going to cast aspersions on the whistle-blower why don't you write about something else idiot?
S321SaintJan 17th 2010 10:19AM
I'm a bit confused, I thought everyone wanted complete contact with everyone all the time? The results will have many people's "private" information spread out alot. I find it OFFENSIVE that some people honestly think that they can put all sorts of pictures and commentary on their "social networking site" and expect ONLY things they want ONLY certain people to see? Its like these idiot HS girls who dress up like prostitutes in malls and complain because the boys TREAT THEM LIKE WHORES.....