Fb Post

Gallaughers first example of a privacy gaffe is Facebook's Beacon. The Beacon would alert “friends” of the commercial activity of the users. Recent purchases would show up on friends feeds. The Beacon was primarily an issue because it was automatically set o “opt-in” opposed to the other way around. Every time Facebook rolls out new Terms of Service (TOS), the company has to make sure they are compliant with privacy concerns. When Facebook acquired Instagram, backlash ensued over Facebook using its user base to be utilized for advertisement. Facebook has changed it's stance or rolled back TOS after receiving heavy criticism from the media. In the case of the Beacon fiasco, Zuckerberg himself apologized.

I am somewhat concerned about the “exposure” on social networking sites. My approach to Facebook is to use it as a communication tool with friends all over the world. I am not very active, I don't generally post pictures, or updates, but am open to get tagged in pictures. My profile is also not search-able and with my name and email I can not be found on Facebook, nor is there a clear picture of my face set as my profile picture. The lack of posting can also be contributed to personal laziness.

About 17 years ago, I read a report in a German News publication called GEO, which outlined how credit card companies compile user profiles with spending habits and use these to advertise better. It is clear to me that everything I buy and do on the web leaves a trace with a variety of companies. In addition my cell phone can track my movements and whereabouts. The individual companies collection of data is nothing new, but the scary part is the governments ability to pool all these data points and resources from various online/communication entities.

A few days ago Glenn Greenwald said he is set to publish the names of those in the US targeted by the NSA. Depending on how extensive and how influential the people on this list are, it could increase citizen involvement in...