Are You On Facebook? If So, Read This.
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By Will from Holland
Are you on Facebook a lot? Do you think what you make public knowledge is under your control because you are being careful what you share? Think again.
More than 350 thousand software applications now have unlimited access to virtually everything you post on Facebook. Does that scare you? You can stop all of these applications from using your information—but you need to opt out each one. This can get tedious when you are asked to accept an application every day.
Unless you set every privacy setting carefully, companies and people have access to key information about you—forever.
Your username, profile photos, lists of friends, pages you are fan of, your gender, and any networks you belong to are up for public knowledge. Facebook says that information is publicly available to any search engine, any Internet user, and to "every application and website, including those you have not connected with…."
If you're on Facebook as much as I am, you do need to think a lot more carefully about what you make public.
Try these tips:
- Go to your privacy settings and set them properly. According to many privacy groups, Facebook has made it harder for you to stop them from releasing your information*. Therefore, make sure you read everything carefully.
- Never put up a photo unless you're sure you want the public to have access to that photo forever.
- Put up less information. Does the world really need to know every detail of your life?
Want to know more about this issue? Google "Facebook Privacy." And while you're at it, be sure to become a fan of DCU on Facebook, they're committed to protecting your privacy and do not use the information you post without your consent. Plus, consider sharing this article with your friends on Facebook… they'll appreciate it!
And, be sure to let me know what you think at showme@dcu.org!
Cheers, Will.
*Source: EPIC FTC complaint
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