Facebook Privacy Changes
I just thought I would alert people to the new changes to Facebook that result in an extreme loss of privacy for those who are concerned about this...
Basically applications can store your information for an indefinite period now. Also, Facebook links you to pages based on your personal information and then those links provide a gateway for others linked to the same thing to access your information.
I personally think this has destroyed Facebook and have cut down significantly on what I will be using it for. Essentially the makers have gotten a lot of people hooked into Facebook to the point that they won't shut down their accounts, but lose their privacy.
I no longer have links to pages I like (minus a very small few). I have also removed all non-essential applications (pretty much anything that isn't automatic). I have removed all of my personal demographic data etc so that no 'link' pages can be formed without my knowledge.
I understand the makers of Facebook essentially ave the right to make it what they want, but I think pre-existing users should have been notified in detail about such changes that would potentially negate any privacy settings already set up. Because Facebook is now extremely different to when I signed up, and I would never sign up for something so intrusive as it is now...
Anyway - just thought I should alert people because I know that I was horrified when I found out how much of a lack of privacy we were not experiencing!
Here's a site offering some advice on how to still be on Facebook but protect our privacy.
http://gawker.com/5522433/how-to-restore-your-privacy-on-facebook
I hadn't heard about that - But it's definitely gone downhill in the past year - it doesn't feel safe to use any more with all of the unannounced changes... I mean, what's to say it won't change overnight and they just release everyone's private information.
Sad really, as with my social skills I honestly sometimes prefer to socialise over Facebook.
:(
There are problems, but at least the EULA (End User License Agreement) has been updated and released - they even have a redline copy that shows all of the changes (by a red underline of the words, of course). Their EULA works in conjunction with the ToS (Terms of Service) to ensure that while they can control content, you (the user) cannot sue another user for copying a picture you posted to use as a profile picture or for some other use. There are other legalese reasons for both these agreements as well, but I'd rather not bore everyone here with all of them (unless by request).
The ToS state that privacy and security is to be respected and it will be honored - plus, before any significant changes to personal information protection take place, the persons under the ToS and EULA must be notified in advance and must agree to the new policy before it is changed. So, no big worries about facebook giving away personal info - they're more likely to sell it first (wait...maybe I shouldn't have written that...oh well).
There was an article in the Wall Street Journal recently about some flaws in facebook, so all may want to check that out.
To be honest, if you watch what you post - and use the privacy controls at maximum (along with some tips and tricks, of which I am more than willing to post at anyone's request) - then the likelihood of personal info leaks can be kept to a minimum.
There are problems, but at least the EULA (End User License Agreement) has been updated and released - they even have a redline copy that shows all of the changes (by a red underline of the words, of course). Their EULA works in conjunction with the ToS (Terms of Service) to ensure that while they can control content, you (the user) cannot sue another user for copying a picture you posted to use as a profile picture or for some other use. There are other legalese reasons for both these agreements as well, but I'd rather not bore everyone here with all of them (unless by request).
The ToS state that privacy and security is to be respected and it will be honored - plus, before any significant changes to personal information protection take place, the persons under the ToS and EULA must be notified in advance and must agree to the new policy before it is changed. So, no big worries about facebook giving away personal info - they're more likely to sell it first (wait...maybe I shouldn't have written that...oh well).
There was an article in the Wall Street Journal recently about some flaws in facebook, so all may want to check that out.
To be honest, if you watch what you post - and use the privacy controls at maximum (along with some tips and tricks, of which I am more than willing to post at anyone's request) - then the likelihood of personal info leaks can be kept to a minimum.
I'd be interested in those tips.
I don't have alot of time to hunt through the FB site for information like this. When I am on, it's for totally brief moments in order to update my status.
:)
Sure, I'll list them here. They're just ones that I've used that keep me safe for the time being.
A great way to keep your login secure is to *falsify* your e-mail address during and after registration. I put it in *stars* due to the fact that it's not exactly what that means, but it will make sense after I explain it. Here's what you do:
First, create a new, free e-mail account. It doesn't have to be anything fancy - just some simple e-mail address that you won't be using (because you won't - you'll understand soon).
After creation, register for facebook with that new e-mail account. (if you already have, skip this step).
Next, go to Account->Account Settings->Email and add an e-mail address you actually use (i.e. the one you use all the time).
After that, click on the circle to the right of the e-mail address you use to change the "contact email" address, and verify by clicking the box that reads "change contact email".
After verification, make sure you follow through the requirements to ensure that your 'real' e-mail is your new contact one. This is important, as all notifications will be now sent to that one.
Finally, log out of facebook and then log into the new e-mail address you set up earlier in the first step.
Delete the account.
- Now that you've followed this lengthy process, go back to the facebook front page and log in using THE DELETED E-MAIL ADDRESS and your original password. (If this doesn't work, let me know and I'll try to help)
- Facebook doesn't check up on your login info as long as you have one working e-mail it can send stuff to. The technique above protects your login information from being hijacked since the e-mail account address you use for your login no longer exists, thereby closing any potential holes in the login system.
I discovered this when my university switched to a new e-mail address system, and my e-mail address at school changed. I added a newer e-mail address to facebook but didn't delete the old, irrelevant one from my profile - and yet I was still able to log in with it.
More in the next post below....
Another tip:
Click on account->account settings->account security and select "yes", followed by submit. This turns on the following, which keeps an eye on your account in case you do get hijacked:
"...
To help keep your Facebook account as safe as possible, we can notify you when your account is accessed from a computer or mobile device that you haven't used before.
Would you like to receive notifications for logins from new devices?..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While you're in account settings, click on the tab marked "facebook ads". There should be the following present - select the down arrow and click "No one", as seen below:
Allow ads on platform pages to show my information to
Only my friendsNo one
While still on the same page (facebook ads), scroll to the bottom and you'll see another line of text with a box next to it, similar to above.
Show my social actions in Facebook Ads to: [ ]v]
Click the down arrow and then select "no one".
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click on Account->Application settings, then click the arrow on the dropdown menu and select "authorized". This selects all of the applications you have allowed to view your profile - ever.
Click the "x" on the ones you don't want, click "edit settings" to modify privacy information, and then click "profile" on the ones you want to see exactly where they are on your profile.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click on Account->Privacy Settings.
Modify everything to provide maximum privacy - I'll post more about this later.
I was contacted three times using the email address I ONLY use on Facebook by separate advertising companies last week 
I've since read an article in the Daily Mail about the lack of privacy on Facebook. I'm gonna remove all those applications (Farmville etc) as they seem to just have all my data now.
Didn't the Facebook founder recently say he doesn't believe in privacy and wants an "open world", or something similar? Not everyone agrees!! People will vote with their 'mouse' and discover other sites that are solidly based around privacy controls.
folkdirect.com is one of those. friendster is another. Be safe people!!
FORGOT TO MENTION!!
The tip below WILL MAKE YOU "REGISTER" COMPUTERS WHEN YOU LOG IN AGAIN. THIS IS ONLY FOR YOUR BENEFIT SO AS TO INFORM YOU THROUGH E-MAIL AS TO WHICH COMPUTERS ARE LOGGING IN TO FACEBOOK USING YOUR ACCOUNT:
Another tip:
Click on account->account settings->account security and select "yes", followed by submit. This turns on the following, which keeps an eye on your account in case you do get hijacked:
"...
To help keep your Facebook account as safe as possible, we can notify you when your account is accessed from a computer or mobile device that you haven't used before.
Would you like to receive notifications for logins from new devices?..."
New development: I recently tried to add photos to an album, and facebook tried to force me to download and install their software. You can refuse to install it. Here's how (in firefox):
When you click to add new photos, a small window will appear and tell you to click "continue" to install the software. Click it (don't worry, it won't happen automatically).
Next, a download window should appear, asking you what you want to do. Click Cancel.
In the small window, click either Next or Continue.
Facebook won't be happy that you made this decision, and will tell you that the old uploader only allows 5 photos at a time. confirm that you want this one only.
Facebook will then ask for a reason. Find the one that fits and continue on.
I'm surprised with all the issues that came up between Facebook and the Canadian gov't, etc that they are still doing this nonsense.
Serenity (Mish)
Single AS/ADHD Mom of Two Sons on the Autism Spectrum
(9 1/2 yr old with Autism, 7 year old in process of AS dx)