The NYTimes has posted an article entitled, “How Sticky Is Membership on Facebook? Just Try Breaking Free” by Maria Aspan regarding the online business practices of privacy and online social networks like Facebook, Myspace, and Friendster. Is there a growing concern over what information can be seen and stored as “information” or what cannot? Let’s explore this topic.
Other than just social network sites, the most valuable information is stored in the “temporary files” of your computer because it collects your surfing habits other data that would help online advertisers target you and your “habits.” Sure your credit card information is vital, along with other sensitive information, but most data miners search for patterns in you browsing history so that they can sell this information to companies like Ticketmaster, Apple, and other online sales channels that rely on traffic information to sell their products without intruding directly. (Note, I am not saying these companies purchase information as such, but it’s an example of companies that could use it to their benefit.)
For example, I was on my Facebook account and I noticed a advertisement for Russell Peters stand up event at the Nokia Center in Los Angeles a few months ago. I was pretty happy to see that advertisement because I have just discovered Russell Peters on YouTube and his comedy is funny. However after I purchased my tickets, I was thinking: “what a stroke of luck to have seen that advertisement fairly close to the time that I have discovered Russell Peters.” Then it dawned on me that “maybe it wasn’t luck?”
As it turns out companies like Facebook keeps a treasure trove of information as a sort of “back up” in case you need to retrieve any information you might have a lost. Now, according to the article, even after you delete your profile from Facebook there are ways to resurrect your account regardless if you asked to have your information complete removed. Should you be worried, well, no, but with every application you add to your Facebook account, make sure you read the fine print that states:
“If you log in to this application, you may share some of your information with it. By clicking the button above, you agree to the Facebook Platform User Terms of Service in your use of [this program].”
There is really nothing to be completely alarmed about, however, if you value your privacy and you would prefer to stay off the internet grid, I’d suggest you keep your internet activities simple like to check the news or weather forecast than joining Facebook.
If you enjoyed this post, Subscribe to my Free Newsletter!
{ 0 comments… add one now }