Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Facebook application privacy

Facebook has dubious ethical relationship with application creators. The money has to come from somewhere, and it appears that quite a lot comes from how applications exploit vulnerable customers.

So if you use Facebook, you should probably take a close look at this privacy setting:
Facebook | Application Privacy
... When a friend of yours allows an application to access their information, that application may also access any information about you that your friend can already see...
Very few FB users understand how "applications" work, and how one may unwittingly grant applications privileges. They are not applications like "Microsoft Word", they are mixtures of services and entertainment purchased with personal information. The most successful applications, are, by necessity, invasive. Darwin would understand.

The key concept here is that a "friend" can essentially "sell" your personal information -- and be completely unaware of what they've done.

I've set every option on this panel to the most limited setting.

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