Issues with Facebook

Many of you have Facebook pages, MySpace pages, YouTube accounts and the like. I had a Facebook page until today, when I learned that Facebook is not very protective of one's privacy.

While most of us just want to use sites like Facebook to communicate, please be aware that those sites gather, and then use, your personal information to generate spam and other unwanted email as well as record any electronic footprints you leave when you are logged in to other websites, download items, and chat. I deleted my Facebook page because of the story I linked above, so if I had added you as a friend and all of a sudden you aren't any more, it's nothing personal; I am just trying to protect my privacy. I do a lot of online shopping, which is why the story above was enough to scare the heck out of me.

If you use Facebook, at least go through the account/privacy settings on the site and make sure your information is as secure as their site can make it (which is not secure enough for me to feel comfortable using it). Do not publish your email address or phone numbers or IM info, where you live, what school you attend.... I'd even think twice before publishing pictures of yourself. Obviously, make sure your profile information is private and viewable to friends only.

Just my two cents. See you Wednesday!