Facebook Backs Down on Outrageous Privacy Violation

TechnologyJanuary 2011 • Views: 18,668

This is why I’ve never liked Facebook: Facebook thinks twice on giving dev access to phone, address data.

Facebook has put off its plan to allow developers access to users’ phone numbers and home addresses. The company posted an update on its Developer Blog Tuesday morning, saying that it got “useful feedback” about the decision and that it would be making changes so that it’s clearer when users are about to share such sensitive info. As a result, the “feature” is being turned off until a better solution is found.

Privacy advocates got up in arms after the company announced that developers would be able to access a whole new level of personal info through its API, as long as the users gave them permission. Security firm Sophos issued a solemn warning on its blog about the move; the firm pointed out that Facebook app developers already manage to trick users into giving them access to personal data, and the situation will only get worse with real addresses and phone numbers in the mix.

That’s so far over the line of acceptable web policy that I’m honestly a bit amazed that Facebook even tried it at all. But that’s what I’ve come to expect from the giant social networking site; they appear to have insufficient regard for users’ privacy, and are constantly trying to push the envelope and get away with abuse of their users’ personal data.

In addition to their deliberate attempts to spread and monetize users’ personal info, Facebook’s software is notoriously prone to hacking and spamming — and not just the visible UI that everyone sees. Their back-end API (used by application programmers) has also had more than few serious privacy-related problems.

I’ve never understood why more people aren’t concerned about Facebook’s serial intrusions into areas where they have no business being. If you’re a Facebook user, you’d better keep a close watch on their ridiculously complicated settings/permissions page, because they’re going to continue doing sneaky things like this.

Jump to bottom

166 comments

Sol Berdinowitz Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:14:08am

I never put any numbers or addresses there, my friends (as in real-life ones) know how to rech me...

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:15:43am

Right now they encourage you to share: Hometown (could be town you're born in, especially for the young), birthdate, your mother's maiden name (there's a feature to list family, and most women use their maiden names so that they can be found by old friends), your schools, pictures of your pets and kids. Most of these are questions that pop up as security questions for secured websites, like um, your bank.

Why not just have a game called: tic-tac-social security number.

(I get grief for not listing my birthday and ignoring others on facebook. I'm protesting the security breach.)

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:16:26am

re: #2 EmmmieG

Ignoring their birthdates, I mean. I usually like people I "friend."

mr.fusion Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:18:13am

Forget about the Facebook higher ups and advertisers.......I don't even want my coworkers seeing my vacation pic.

I'm pretty much of the mindset that my "friends" have my phone number and email address......now if I could just get my VCR to stop flashing 12:00

lawhawk Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:18:47am

It's all about the money and how Facebook can monetize all the data it gathers and collects. It hopes that no one notices these privacy intrusions, figuring that if they bury the security details and make you opt out, that it is sufficient to continue operating as it does.

That's a huge mistake, and the company keep pushing the boundaries - it should be an opt-in to provide all the kinds of data requested. And API developers shouldn't have access to that information either.

All those problems are complicated even further when you consider that when you buy a smartphone like the Droid, and you link your facebook account, it shifts all kinds of data from your friends and contacts into your smartphone. The smartphone api developers are doing something similar by gaining to access all kinds of personal data - including GPS information, phone numbers, contact information, and other demographic features, even for apps that don't require that kind of information. Next time you go to the app store on your smartphone, check out the information that the phone app hopes to access.

It can be eye opening....

lostlakehiker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:19:04am

I never put any anything there. I'm faceless, I am I am.

Big Steve Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:20:52am

I think Facebook sucks......and damn I wish I had invented it.

elizajane Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:21:09am

Possibly more people aren't upset because they've been relentlessly told that if the Big Bad Government has one iota of information about you it's the beginning of Fascist mind control, but private companies are gentle lambs that always have liberty and freedom at heart.

And of course, we know that private companies are persons, too. Just like us. The Supreme Court said so.

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:21:29am

Oh, I was just chatting with Otoc about that!

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

I have a throwaway address on FB.

I don't buy any products - no credit card.

No phone, no address (no pool, no pets, I ain't got no cigarettes).

But no real info anyone can get from me. I like Facebook a whole lot. Let's me visit with family I never get to see.

jc717 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:25:21am

Interesting read on Facebook's processes and code controls.
If this article is accurate at all, then Facebook is a ticking time bomb one or two disgruntled employees away from blowing up.
[Link: framethink.wordpress.com...]

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:26:40am

The solution is simple. Stop putting your phone number and address into sites like Facebook. They can only give away what you give them. Facebook's primary resources are A. lots of eyes to sell access to, and B. lots of personal information to sell access to. What do people expect them to do? Just sit on the gold mine and never mine it?

While I do agree, this is disturbing, I just wonder why everybody didn't fully expect this would be the trend. This is inevitable, even if it is wrong.

Charles Johnson Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:29:05am

It's not just the phone numbers, addresses, credit cards, etc. that are at risk, though.

Developers can use the info they get through Facebook's API to do very accurate user tracking across websites, especially for people using mobile phones. Facebook is becoming Skynet.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:29:07am

re: #11 Fozzie Bear

The solution is simple. Stop putting your phone number and address into sites like Facebook. They can only give away what you give them. Facebook's primary resources are A. lots of eyes to sell access to, and B. lots of personal information to sell access to. What do people expect them to do? Just sit on the gold mine and never mine it?

While I do agree, this is disturbing, I just wonder why everybody didn't fully expect this would be the trend. This is inevitable, even if it is wrong.

People need to realize they are not facebook's clients. They are facebook's merchandise.

latitude51 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:29:40am

NOFB

jaunte Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:30:37am

NOFB eTHR

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:31:34am

re: #12 Charles

It's not just the phone numbers, addresses, credit cards, etc. that are at risk, though.

Developers can use the info they get through Facebook's API to do very accurate user tracking across websites, especially for people using mobile phones. Facebook is becoming Skynet.

I don't understand what you mean by "user tracking across websites". How do they do that? How does it apply to mobile phones? I'm just pretty ignorant on the matter.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:32:23am

What's spooky to me is how many people are willingly turning over their personal data, turning it into such a massive aggregate that it becomes almost unavoidable and perfect for surveillance and datamining at the same time while digital privacy concerns are still all the rage and people scream bloody murder over the simple census questions – cognitive dissonance much? But then again, this is just another phenomenon of the quasi-natural development of the web overriding a lot of civil liberties and individual right concerns. I wonder if it could be reasonably avoided.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:35:03am

re: #12 Charles

It's not just the phone numbers, addresses, credit cards, etc. that are at risk, though.

Developers can use the info they get through Facebook's API to do very accurate user tracking across websites, especially for people using mobile phones. Facebook is becoming Skynet.

In anarchist circles, there was some hoopla about Facebook using face imaging technology to auto-tag photos with people's names.. That, combined with the fact that your basically drawing a perfect network of your social and political connections, should make for some paranoid anarchists. Hilariously though, they all remain on facebook.

While I am complaining about jobs today, I'll mention that I had an HR person say they weren't interested in my resume because I wasn't on Facebook last week!!!

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:36:26am

NOFB 3THR

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:37:02am

re: #18 Alexzander

While I am complaining about jobs today, I'll mention that I had an HR person say they weren't interested in my resume because I wasn't on Facebook last week!!!

Exactly what I meant by saying that it has become almost unavoidable.

I think the only way to somewhat avoid the whole tracking and profiling process significantly (not totally) would involve using a seperate computer and a seperate internet connection to connect to social networking sites like Facebook.

Decatur Deb Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:37:04am

Not "concerned about Facebook’s serial intrusions into areas where they have no business being". I have nothing to do with Facebook. Putting something in the Intertubes is exactly like putting copies of it on a laundromat bulletin board, but faster.

jamesfirecat Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:37:27am

re: #18 Alexzander

In anarchist circles, there was some hoopla about Facebook using face imaging technology to auto-tag photos with people's names.. That, combined with the fact that your basically drawing a perfect network of your social and political connections, should make for some paranoid anarchists. Hilariously though, they all remain on facebook.

While I am complaining about jobs today, I'll mention that I had an HR person say they weren't interested in my resume because I wasn't on Facebook last week!!!

If you ask me the first sign of a smart candidate for a job is that they don't have a facebook page....

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:37:31am

re: #16 marjoriemoon

I don't understand what you mean by "user tracking across websites". How do they do that? How does it apply to mobile phones? I'm just pretty ignorant on the matter.

You know where a website has a button that says "Like on Facebook" or something similar? In some of those cases facebook can see that you are visiting the page, provided that you are also logged into facebook.

Interesting Times Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:37:34am

OT for wrenchwench: you post a lot of pages about crime in Mexico - just wondered if you're familiar with this case? And does it sound like anything you've come across before?

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:37:42am

re: #12 Charles

It's not just the phone numbers, addresses, credit cards, etc. that are at risk, though.

Developers can use the info they get through Facebook's API to do very accurate user tracking across websites, especially for people using mobile phones. Facebook is becoming Skynet.

I suppose the best way to ensure you aren't tracked is to delete your facebook cookies after EVERY time they visit FB, so other sites can't "link in" to the FB api and get that information.

I think a simple browser add-on is called for.

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:38:52am

re: #17 000G

What's spooky to me is how many people are willingly turning over their personal data, turning it into such a massive aggregate that it becomes almost unavoidable and perfect for surveillance and datamining at the same time while digital privacy concerns are still all the rage and people scream bloody murder over the simple census questions – cognitive dissonance much? But then again, this is just another phenomenon of the quasi-natural development of the web overriding a lot of civil liberties and individual right concerns. I wonder if it could be reasonably avoided.

I think it's ignorance on the part of the public. They simply aren't aware of the dangers and since it isn't coming from the government, they don't see a problem.

I'm somewhat computer savvy, although I don't know much about tracking software, spamming and hacking. How it's done, rather.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:39:51am

re: #25 Fozzie Bear

I suppose the best way to ensure you aren't tracked is to delete your facebook cookies after EVERY time they visit FB, so other sites can't "link in" to the FB api and get that information.

I think a simple browser add-on is called for.

If you use chrome, I think you could open up a browser in private mode, and use that exclusively for facebook. It should keep it separate from your other chrome sessions.

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:40:16am

re: #23 Alexzander

You know where a website has a button that says "Like on Facebook" or something similar? In some of those cases facebook can see that you are visiting the page, provided that you are also logged into facebook.

Ah otay. Gotcha. I don't use those. Wait, I take that back. I used it once on Jibjab.

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:40:55am

Another tip: Set your profile, all of it, to "viewable by friends only". If an employer asks for your Facebook information, tell them you don't use Facebook. It's none of their fucking business anyway.

Charles Johnson Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:41:22am

re: #16 marjoriemoon

Here's one API security hole discovered last year: [Link: www.guardian.co.uk...]

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:41:34am

re: #27 Alexzander

If you use chrome, I think you could open up a browser in private mode, and use that exclusively for facebook. It should keep it separate from your other chrome sessions.

Nope. That will only help you maintain privacy from other users using your computer.

Interesting Times Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:42:08am

re: #26 marjoriemoon

I think it's ignorance on the part of the public. They simply aren't aware of the dangers and since it isn't coming from the government, they don't see a problem.

And ironically enough, it was government intervention that resulted in Facebook even bothering to improve what privacy controls it has:

Facebook agrees to address Privacy Commissioner’s concerns

OTTAWA, August 27, 2009 — Facebook has agreed to add significant new privacy safeguards and make other changes in response to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s recent investigation into the popular social networking site’s privacy policies and practices.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:42:23am

re: #28 marjoriemoon

Ah otay. Gotcha. I don't use those. Wait, I take that back. I used it once on Jibjab.

I'm not an expert on this subject, but it is my understanding that you dont even need to use those buttons for facebook to be following you on those sites.

ryannon Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:42:34am

On/Off Topic:

WikiLeaks to Publish Data From Ex-Julius Baer Banker

[Link: www.bloomberg.com...]

Heh.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:43:00am

re: #26 marjoriemoon

I think it's ignorance on the part of the public. They simply aren't aware of the dangers and since it isn't coming from the government, they don't see a problem.

What's really, really spooky is that they are giving single companies government-like functions in the process.

I'm somewhat computer savvy, although I don't know much about tracking software, spamming and hacking. How it's done, rather.

I made a couple of pages about this, see here.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:43:35am

re: #31 000G

Nope. That will only help you maintain privacy from other users using your computer.

Is Facebook tracking users based on their IP or something similar? Or do you mean with respect to anonymity on the internet in general?

Charles Johnson Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:45:55am

Ever notice that I don't use any official Facebook widgets in the LGF Blog software? This is why. I don't trust them.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:46:28am

re: #36 Alexzander

Is Facebook tracking users based on their IP or something similar? Or do you mean with respect to anonymity on the internet in general?

I don't know what Facebook is using specifically to profile. I know that in general lowlevel measures like turning off cookies, changing IPs etc. won't help you much in staying truly anonymous. Again, see here for some basic overview.

lawhawk Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:46:35am

re: #29 Fozzie Bear

That should be the standard minimum security level (friends only) - there's information that should be viewable only to yourself (which includes contact info, birthdays, and political/religious views).

If you want to expose your data to others, by all means.

Yet, the Facebook recommended privacy setting is a free-for-all.

latitude51 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:47:47am

re: #14 latitude51

re: #15 jaunte

re: #19 Alexzander

We three Troglodytes.

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:49:22am

re: #36 Alexzander

Is Facebook tracking users based on their IP or something similar? Or do you mean with respect to anonymity on the internet in general?

They can only directly track the IP's of people visiting FB. But, many websites have widgets embedded in them, as Charles just mentioned, that allow the website to scan your FB cookies and track who you are. Of course, this also means they could tell FB where you are, and this information could in turn be sold to third parties.

So yea, potentially FB could be a gigantic people-tracking database that extends far beyond what you reveal when you are just on FB itself. But, it is a process you can short-circuit by not associating logins at other sites with FB, deleting cookies, and generally being paranoid.

Regardless, it's pretty freaking stupid that you have to be that knowledgeable about computers (and paranoid to boot) to be able to protect personal information.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:51:09am

I can't remember where I heard this, but its worth remembering:

Anytime you seem to be getting a service for free, its because you're not the consumer, you're the product.

This is clearly the case with facebook and google, and arguably any interprise that operates primarily through selling advertising (although that doesn't make facebook equally nefarious to a blog or a newspaper of course).

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:51:30am

re: #30 Charles

Here's one API security hole discovered last year: [Link: www.guardian.co.uk...]

So if you connect via your phone, than your phone number can show up?

Maybe I'm the one who is ignorant (and that's a distinct possibility!), but I'm so careful about what and who I put on my lists and I check my privacy settings fairly often to see if they sneak anything in. I didn't know about the attending thing, but I have no personal info on there other than my name, city and birthdate which is already more than I'd like.

So they use the info for marketing purposes I imagine?

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:52:08am

re: #41 Fozzie Bear

They can only directly track the IP's of people visiting FB. But, many websites have widgets embedded in them, as Charles just mentioned, that allow the website to scan your FB cookies and track who you are. Of course, this also means they could tell FB where you are, and this information could in turn be sold to third parties.

So yea, potentially FB could be a gigantic people-tracking database that extends far beyond what you reveal when you are just on FB itself. But, it is a process you can short-circuit by not associating logins at other sites with FB, deleting cookies, and generally being paranoid.

This is much harder than you think. Profiles are not dependend on IPs or even IP ranges. Browsers in general reveal a lot about the identity of their user.

Regardless, it's pretty freaking stupid that you have to be that knowledgeable about computers (and paranoid to boot) to be able to protect personal information.

It's an as-of-yet undiscovered industry! ;-P

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:52:31am

re: #35 000G

What's really, really spooky is that they are giving single companies government-like functions in the process.

I made a couple of pages about this, see here.

Big brother has a big Face, I guess! Interesting read.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:52:52am

re: #40 latitude51

Haha, yeah I don't even have a cell-phone. Selective luddite tendencies.

Decatur Deb Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:53:30am

re: #42 Alexzander

I can't remember where I heard this, but its worth remembering:

Anytime you seem to be getting a service for free, its because you're not the consumer, you're the product.

This is clearly the case with facebook and google, and arguably any interprise that operates primarily through selling advertising (although that doesn't make facebook equally nefarious to a blog or a newspaper of course).

Great line. Our mutual uncle spent a lot of money to make me computer-paranoid. It worked.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:53:56am

re: #45 marjoriemoon

Big brother has a big Face, I guess! Interesting read.

Did you take the Panopticlick test?

lawhawk Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:54:46am

Developing: Shooting at LA High School; 3 shot, no word on whether culprit is in custody. School on lockdown.

Three people were shot at a Los Angeles high school on Wednesday morning, police told NBC News.
The shooting occurred about 10:30 a.m. at Gardena High School, and the gunman was still at large. The condition of the victims was not known and the school was placed on lockdown.

MSNBC cable television reported that the gunman was believed to be a student. MSNBC said the police reported that a gun had been recovered, but it was unclear if the gun had been involved in the shooting.

Charles Johnson Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:57:08am

3 shot at Gardena High School; gunman still at large [Updated] | Los Angeles Times

[Updated at 11:13 a.m.: TV footage showed police cars and fire engines lined up in front of the school and one victim being take out to a waiting ambulance.

Police helicopters were searching the area for the suspect, who fled from the high school on foot.

A source confirmed that the suspect and at least one of the victims were students.]

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:57:08am

re: #44 000G

Yeah there's a lot saved in there beyond cookies.

- Never allow your browser to remember your FB username or password.
- Never enable features which allow you to post directly to FB from third-party sites.
- Disable public search on FB, as well as turning ALL settings to friends only.
- Don't put any information on FB which isn't necessary to use FB. Your real friends already know your address and phone number.
- Always clear your cookies after visiting FB, and before visiting any other sites.

Seems like a bit much to secure information regarding your basic movements.

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:58:12am

re: #51 Fozzie Bear

And of course, next time Facebook decides to turn everybody's settings to public again, be ready to immediately change it back.

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 11:58:22am

re: #41 Fozzie Bear

They can only directly track the IP's of people visiting FB. But, many websites have widgets embedded in them, as Charles just mentioned, that allow the website to scan your FB cookies and track who you are. Of course, this also means they could tell FB where you are, and this information could in turn be sold to third parties.

So yea, potentially FB could be a gigantic people-tracking database that extends far beyond what you reveal when you are just on FB itself. But, it is a process you can short-circuit by not associating logins at other sites with FB, deleting cookies, and generally being paranoid.

Regardless, it's pretty freaking stupid that you have to be that knowledgeable about computers (and paranoid to boot) to be able to protect personal information.

We call my sis-in-law "Typhoid Mary" for all the viruses she's accumulated over the years. She doesn't care. We've tried to explain it to her. She just glazes over LOL So I feel like a genius next to her :p

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:00:14pm

re: #48 000G

Did you take the Panopticlick test?

Now someone has to decipher it for me.

Within our dataset of several million visitors, only one in 24,920 browsers have the same fingerprint as yours.
Currently, we estimate that your browser has a fingerprint that conveys 14.61 bits of identifying information.

Is that a lot?

Idle Drifter Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:02:41pm

re: #10 jc717

Interesting read on Facebook's processes and code controls.
If this article is accurate at all, then Facebook is a ticking time bomb one or two disgruntled employees away from blowing up.
[Link: framethink.wordpress.com...]

So this is along the Wikileaks philosophy of information free for all.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:03:05pm

re: #54 marjoriemoon

Now someone has to decipher it for me.

Is that a lot?

Well, judge that against 1,370,607 browsers tested by them so far. Of those, 24,920 have the same fingerprint, one of them being yours.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:06:45pm

re: #53 marjoriemoon

We call my sis-in-law "Typhoid Mary" for all the viruses she's accumulated over the years. She doesn't care. We've tried to explain it to her. She just glazes over LOL So I feel like a genius next to her :p

That's fine, and if she wishes to have it on her computer, she may. She can be as pox-riddled as she chooses.

The problem is when their computers are spitting out viruses to your computer, or they expect you (actually, my husband) to fix the computer for them.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:06:46pm

re: #55 Idle Drifter

So this is along the Wikileaks philosophy of information free for all.

I'd say they are inverted however;
In one case corporations are 'free' to buy information about the lives of regular citizens who are for intents and purposes, unawares; In the other case regular citizens are given information 'freely' about governments and corporations, similarly against their wishes.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:06:59pm

re: #56 000G

Mine says I'm unique. Thoughts?

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:07:40pm

re: #54 marjoriemoon

Well, 14 bits can represent 16,384 unique integer quantities. So, it's some where between that and double that. Considering that they are saying that 85% of the 1.3 million browsers tested are unique, something is not right with their estimate of 14.61 identifying bits of information.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:08:52pm

re: #59 ProLifeLiberal

Mine says I'm unique. Thoughts?

Katy Perry thinks that you are unique. She thinks you're a firework. She thinks you cannot be replaced.

Of course, she's probably wrong, but she says it very nicely.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:09:28pm

re: #61 EmmmieG

And she says it with an unusually large amount of clothing on, for her.

latitude51 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:09:39pm

re: #46 Alexzander

Haha, yeah I don't even have a cell-phone. Selective luddite tendencies.

I've been called a Luddite for still using a 1st gen iPod.

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:09:54pm

re: #57 EmmmieG

That's fine, and if she wishes to have it on her computer, she may. She can be as pox-riddled as she chooses.

The problem is when their computers are spitting out viruses to your computer, or they expect you (actually, my husband) to fix the computer for them.

That's exactly the issue! She gets help from the PC Gods in the family, so it never costs her anything. And she has sent us back some viruses. I don't allow her to send me email anymore (she never listens lol) and I just delete everything from her - I've told her. Another reason I like Facebook.

We really resisted FB for these reasons, but almost our whole family was on and I wanted to see them (photos, vids) especially my interaction with my nieces. We're spread out all over the country.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:10:46pm

re: #61 EmmmieG

Seriously, the Panopticlick said something this:

Your browser fingerprint appears to be unique among the 1,370,622 tested so far.

Currently, we estimate that your browser has a fingerprint that conveys at least 20.39 bits of identifying information.

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:11:56pm

re: #65 ProLifeLiberal

Seriously, the Panopticlick said something this:

You have bigger fingers than I do!

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:12:15pm

Ahh, ok 20 bits is more like it. You need more than 14 to not get a LOT of duplicates in a set only 1.3 million in size.

lawhawk Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:12:29pm

Updating the LA high school shooting:

Teen gunman has been arrested.

Police have arrested a young man dressed in black who is suspected of shooting three students at Gardena high school in Los Angeles county, KTLA reports.
KTLA's live broadcast showed police, who were just outside a classroom door, subduing the suspect, who emerged after several apparent hostages left the room. KTLA says the shooter has now been arrested.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:12:53pm

re: #59 ProLifeLiberal

Mine says I'm unique. Thoughts?

Means that you are pretty much trackable across websites, possibly even by different parties acting independently from one another but using the same standard of profiling via standard user data.

And btw, this is just the browser information itself. Add to that IPs, cookies, behavioral characteristics and a shitload of other information and you get the idea how transparent you are online.

Also, I would like to add that the legit uses of datamining are not the only ones to be worried about (those differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction anyhow) but that also all massive data aggregates are ripe opportunities for abuse (blackmailing, stalking, etc.) and are therefore inherently dangerous – not just in conjunction with bad laws and/or bad corporations or agencies having and using them.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:13:06pm

re: #66 marjoriemoon

I sometimes forget a word when typing. Dysgraphia means my hands can't go as quickly to get things written, and sometimes, words are left out.

reine.de.tout Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:13:55pm

re: #69 000G

Means that you are pretty much trackable across websites, possibly even by different parties acting independently from one another but using the same standard of profiling via standard user data.

And btw, this is just the browser information itself. Add to that IPs, cookies, behavioral characteristics and a shitload of other information and you get the idea how transparent you are online.

Also, I would like to add that the legit uses of datamining are not the only ones to be worried about (those differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction anyhow) but that also all massive data aggregates are ripe opportunities for abuse (blackmailing, stalking, etc.) and are therefore inherently dangerous – not just in conjunction with bad laws and/or bad corporations or agencies having and using them.

Mine is also "unique".

So how do I make it less unique?

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:14:32pm

re: #69 000G

Okay, so how do I make it easier to blend in then?

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:14:41pm

The advent of ever stronger AI will only make this problem worse over time, as it becomes practical to apply ever more sophisticated algorithms to your browsing behavior.

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:16:04pm

re: #70 ProLifeLiberal

I sometimes forget a word when typing. Dysgraphia means my hands can't go as quickly to get things written, and sometimes, words are left out.

No, I meant your count is 20+ and mine was 14+.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:16:31pm

Early Identity Theft:

[This conversation happened between two nieces, aged 2. We'll call them Mary and Susie.]

Mary: [With sly look at Susie] I Susie.

Susie: No, I Susie.

Mary: Noooo, I Susie.

Susie: [Getting distressed]: No, I Susie.

Mary: Nooooo, I Susie.

[Tears]

Girls' mom: No, really, you're still Susie and she's Mary. I promise, honey.

Cap'n Magic Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:17:02pm

That's one reason I personally REFUSE to use Facebook.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:17:06pm

re: #72 ProLifeLiberal

Okay, so how do I make it easier to blend in then?

Wear all neutrals. Purchase only generic brands. Change your name to John Smith. (Works for Doctor Who.)

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:17:53pm

re: #75 EmmmieG

Early Identity Theft:

[This conversation happened between two nieces, aged 2. We'll call them Mary and Susie.]

Mary: [With sly look at Susie] I Susie.

Susie: No, I Susie.

Mary: Nooo, I Susie.

Susie: [Getting distressed]: No, I Susie.

Mary: Nooo, I Susie.

[Tears]

Girls' mom: No, really, you're still Susie and she's Mary. I promise, honey.

I Emmmie.

*evil grin*

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:18:28pm

I'm changing my name to "Not Sure" in a symbolic nod to what we have become.

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:18:45pm

re: #73 Fozzie Bear

The advent of ever stronger AI will only make this problem worse over time, as it becomes practical to apply ever more sophisticated algorithms to your browsing behavior.

I'm just waiting for the chip implant under my armpit.

Or maybe I've said too much.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:19:03pm

re: #71 reine.de.tout

Mine is also "unique".

So how do I make it less unique?

The results should give you some clues (approach it from a "what browser characteristic adds to my browser identity in what way" point of view). There is software out there that will help you spoof your User Agent, for instance.

But again, this is just your browser profile. Your complete web profile consists of many more characteristics. Watch these guys (even if the german accent is obnoxious) or read this guy's verdict to get an idea of how comprehensive tracking and profiling methods are online.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:19:18pm

Since we're talking about online anonymity, what are people's feelings about Tor? I've been tempted to try it recently but I already have a slow connection and I dont have anything to hide so it would just be out of curiosity. One of the major players at Wikileaks, Jacob Appelbaum, is also a one of the big people behind the project. He was also recently given a position at the University of Washington, doing some secretive cryptography research.

brookly red Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:19:29pm

re: #79 Fozzie Bear

I'm changing my name to "Not Sure" in a symbolic nod to what we have become.

Hi, I am "Unnamed Source" pleased to meet you.

Killgore Trout Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:20:41pm

Neoconfederates and conservatives outraged over MLK celebrations....
Crazy Pam: Boxing George (sorry No cache available)

Something is terribly wrong in the leadership of the black community. African Americans enjoy the highest standard of living in the United States. The premise of individual rights serves all men.

The father of our country hidden by a 'box' by the NAACP (Free North Carolina blog)

The annual MLK observance at the state house in Columbia SC had an interesting twist this year. The event is held on the north side steps of the statehouse. Prominent at that location is a large bronze statue of George Washington. This year, the NAACP constructed a "box" to conceal the Father of His Country from view so that participants would not be offended by his presence.

Check out her source of this outrageous outrage. Pro-Confederate, anti-Lincoln, historical revisionism.
Fox Nation has now picked up the story: George Washington Hidden but they have enough to not link to the racist source of this outrage.

latitude51 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:20:42pm

re: #80 marjoriemoon

I'm just waiting for the chip implant under my armpit.

Or maybe I've said too much.

That's not where we placed it.

Vicious Babushka Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:21:19pm

re: #71 reine.de.tout

Mine is also "unique".

So how do I make it less unique?

I chose my screen name on the basis that anyone doing a Google search will pick up lots and lots of pages about French children's songs, Canadian football teams, cheese spread, and helicopters.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:21:22pm

A guy in Toronto changed his last name to Nobody. He was arrested during the G20 conference this summer, and when he said his name was Nobody to the police he was kicked in the head twice. He's taking the police department to court, although the police claim they cant figure out who arrested him, as the officer used a fake badge number (no kidding).

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:22:02pm

re: #72 ProLifeLiberal

Okay, so how do I make it easier to blend in then?

It really depends on what you want to do. Tor is a decent solution for staying anonymous for a lot of purposes, for instance, but falls flat if you want to edit Wikipedia because of their ban on open proxies. You will have to research this yourself because it really depends on what you want to do online.

Fozzie Bear Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:22:27pm

re: #87 Alexzander

A guy in Toronto changed his last name to Nobody. He was arrested during the G20 conference this summer, and when he said his name was Nobody to the police he was kicked in the head twice. He's taking the police department to court, although the police claim they cant figure out who arrested him, as the officer used a fake badge number (no kidding).

There's some serious irony in that story.

latitude51 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:23:05pm

re: #87 Alexzander

Haven't they identified those cops yet?

Killgore Trout Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:23:37pm

re: #84 Killgore Trout

Neoconfederates and conservatives outraged over MLK celebrations...
Crazy Pam: Boxing George (sorry No cache available)

If you check out the pic from Pam's site it looks like the blocked out the statue because it was directly behind the podium. It's might have been a practical consideration (maybe they had a logo or a pic of MLK behind the speakers. They also might have thought giving MLK speeches in from of a statue of a slave owner was in bad taste. Whatever.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:24:25pm

re: #82 Alexzander

Since we're talking about online anonymity, what are people's feelings about Tor? I've been tempted to try it recently but I already have a slow connection and I dont have anything to hide so it would just be out of curiosity. One of the major players at Wikileaks, Jacob Appelbaum, is also a one of the big people behind the project. He was also recently given a position at the University of Washington, doing some secretive cryptography research.

It's really funny that anonymity runs into the same basic problems that a lot of cryptography has. If you want to become less identifiable, you will have to pretty much acquire the characteristics a good password has: the more random, the better.

jordash1212 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:24:51pm

I've deleted every little bit of information for fear of 3rd party intrusion but also because I don't want potential employers thinking all has been revealed. Facebook crossed the line for me a long time ago. The reason I still have the account is to keep in touch with friends I've made across the country and the globe.

The only thing I'm too lazy to do is delete my pictures. Even if those are deleted, Facebook can, and probably does, OCR those and start to extrapolate even more information on my whereabouts, interests, friends, etc.

Ericus58 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:25:26pm

re: #54 marjoriemoon

Now someone has to decipher it for me.

Is that a lot?

"Your browser fingerprint appears to be unique among the 1,370,636 tested so far."

That's me.

lawhawk Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:25:50pm

re: #72 ProLifeLiberal

Avoid using add ons or other programs that customize your browser. Same thing with fonts - maintain the standard font-set. Those two parameters seem to skew the results.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:26:05pm

[Link: www.hulu.com...]

This is just so freakin' funny... Remember this?

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:26:07pm

re: #84 Killgore Trout

Neoconfederates and conservatives outraged over MLK celebrations...
Crazy Pam: Boxing George (sorry No cache available)

Always check bing.com for caches: [Link: cc.bingj.com...]

Charles Johnson Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:26:32pm

re: #91 Killgore Trout

Wow. Crazy Pam's source is about two clicks away from white supremacists. I followed a few links and almost immediately got deep into the neo-Confederate fever swamp.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:27:18pm

re: #87 Alexzander

A guy in Toronto changed his last name to Nobody. He was arrested during the G20 conference this summer, and when he said his name was Nobody to the police he was kicked in the head twice. He's taking the police department to court, although the police claim they cant figure out who arrested him, as the officer used a fake badge number (no kidding).

Link?

100

Killgore Trout Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:27:37pm

re: #97 000G

Always check bing.com for caches: [Link: cc.bingj.com...]

Ah, that's a good tip. Thanks.

101

Killgore Trout Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:28:35pm

re: #98 Charles

Wow. Crazy Pam's source is about two clicks away from white supremacists. I followed a few links and almost immediately got deep into the neo-Confederate fever swamp.

There's some pretty reprehensible stuff there. I poked around earlier.

102

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:28:55pm

re: #51 Fozzie Bear

Yeah there's a lot saved in there beyond cookies.

- Never allow your browser to remember your FB username or password.
- Never enable features which allow you to post directly to FB from third-party sites.
- Disable public search on FB, as well as turning ALL settings to friends only.
- Don't put any information on FB which isn't necessary to use FB. Your real friends already know your address and phone number.
- Always clear your cookies after visiting FB, and before visiting any other sites.

Seems like a bit much to secure information regarding your basic movements.

In addition to having signed up using a nic rather than my real name and adding no contact info beyond a throwaway email address, what you've described is exactly how I use FB now, which is about once a month now at most. I only use it to keep in touch with a very specific group of friends—no family, no politics, no games/apps, etc.

I'm leery of all social networking sites, which is why I never use my real name when signing up for anything of that nature. I stopped visiting FB regularly about a year ago after having logged out and visited some Spanish language sites for some design research I was doing—upon logging back in, FB asked me if I wanted to change my interface language to Spanish. That sealed it for me.

103

lawhawk Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:29:03pm

re: #68 lawhawk

Now reports indicate that two were injured when a gun in a backpack went off injuring two students.

Two students were shot accidentally at a Los Angeles high school on Tuesday morning when a student dropped a backpack containing a gun, msnbc cable television reported.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Jamie Moore said two victims were transported to a hospital, one in serious condition and one in critical condition.

The account differs from information from Gardena police, who said earlier that three people were wounded and the shooter was at large.

Pretty big discrepancies between earlier reports and this one.

104

brookly red Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:29:33pm

OT: OK, now I HAVE seen everything... Ed Koch, defending Sarah Palin.

I am snarkless.

105

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:29:35pm

re: #98 Charles

Wow. Crazy Pam's source is about two clicks away from white supremacists. I followed a few links and almost immediately got deep into the neo-Confederate fever swamp.

So....the number of links to connect to some nazis is now the Geller number?

106

brookly red Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:30:07pm

re: #103 lawhawk

the first 3 are always wrong...

107

wrenchwench Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:32:11pm

re: #24 publicityStunted

OT for wrenchwench: you post a lot of pages about crime in Mexico - just wondered if you're familiar with this case? And does it sound like anything you've come across before?

This is the first I've seen of that case or anything like it. Mexico is usually pretty careful with foreign tourists. Their justice system isn't worth a darn, and the whole story could be true, but there's also some of room for doubt, in my opinion.

108

albusteve Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:32:13pm

I have little sympathy for ripped off FB users...they need to express their narcissism across the net, then they have to live with getting ripped off....fools

109

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:32:56pm

re: #41 Fozzie Bear

They can only directly track the IP's of people visiting FB. But, many websites have widgets embedded in them, as Charles just mentioned, that allow the website to scan your FB cookies and track who you are. Of course, this also means they could tell FB where you are, and this information could in turn be sold to third parties.

So yea, potentially FB could be a gigantic people-tracking database that extends far beyond what you reveal when you are just on FB itself. But, it is a process you can short-circuit by not associating logins at other sites with FB, deleting cookies, and generally being paranoid.

Regardless, it's pretty freaking stupid that you have to be that knowledgeable about computers (and paranoid to boot) to be able to protect personal information.

And if you accept cookies from ad services like DoubleClick, which many sites use, the amount of aggregate data they can compile about your online habits is astounding.

110

latitude51 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:33:24pm

re: #99 000G

[Link: www.google.ca...]

111

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:34:10pm

re: #99 000G

Link?

You can google news search "Adam Nobody" "g20" and toronto to find a bunch of stories. Looks like they idenfitied some of the officers recently, but they decided not to press charges.
Toronto Star Article

If you look for some stories you can see his facial injuries.

According to this article, the same officers aquited in Nobody's case are again being accused of brutality:
New brutality Charges

112

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:34:50pm

The problem is that now that we are used to being able to chat daily with old friends and college roommates, we aren't going to want to give that up.

113

brookly red Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:34:52pm

re: #109 CuriousLurker

And if you accept cookies from ad services like DoubleClick, which many sites use, the amount of aggregate data they can compile about your online habits is astounding.

the funny part is I would be glad to tell them, if they asked...

114

albusteve Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:35:20pm

re: #106 brookly red

the first 3 are always wrong...

I hate the MSM...nothing but scoop whores

115

elizajane Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:35:40pm

re: #104 brookly red

OT: OK, now I HAVE seen everything... Ed Koch, defending Sarah Palin.

I am snarkless.

Blew my mind too.

"...in the spirit of longed-for civility I say, Ms. Palin you are in a certain sense an example of the American dream: You have the courage to stand up and present your vision of America to its people. Your strength and lack of fear make America stronger and are examples to be emulated by girls and boys, men and women who are themselves afraid to speak up. You provide the example that they need for self-assurance."

[Link: www.realclearpolitics.com...]

In the same spirit, Mr. Koch, I say that you probably need a long, quiet vacation far away from anything political.

116

brookly red Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:37:02pm

re: #115 elizajane

Blew my mind too.

"...in the spirit of longed-for civility I say, Ms. Palin you are in a certain sense an example of the American dream: You have the courage to stand up and present your vision of America to its people. Your strength and lack of fear make America stronger and are examples to be emulated by girls and boys, men and women who are themselves afraid to speak up. You provide the example that they need for self-assurance."

[Link: www.realclearpolitics.com...]

In the same spirit, Mr. Koch, I say that you probably need a long, quiet vacation far away from anything political.

I mean if I was casting for a sit-com I couldn't do better.

117

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:37:14pm

re: #110 latitude51

re: #111 Alexzander

Heh. It's almost like that Polyphemus story.

118

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:38:11pm

I would say that at best you can only mitigate how much data is collected; there's no way to avoid all of it.

119

Tigger2 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:39:03pm

I have one rule I follow on Facebook.
I dont put anything on there that I would not stand on a street corner and tell strangers.

120

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:39:35pm

re: #118 CuriousLurker

I would say that at best you can only mitigate how much data is collected; there's no way to avoid all of it.

The goal should not be to mitigiate the ammount of date but to render all collectable data useless. Become white noise!

121

brookly red Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:39:51pm

re: #119 Tigger2

I have one rule I follow on Facebook.
I dont put anything on there that I would not stand on a street corner and tell strangers.

when sober.
fify

122

Vicious Babushka Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:40:08pm

I use Adblock Plus in Firefox. The worst ads to get rid of are the "belly fat." I could probably lose 40 pounds before dropping those ads.

123

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:40:59pm

re: #120 000G

The goal should not be to mitigiate the ammount of date but to render all collectable data useless. Become white noise!

Heh, would that I knew how to do so.

124

Tigger2 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:41:10pm

re: #121 brookly red

when sober.
fify

Don't drink.

125

brookly red Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:41:56pm

re: #124 Tigger2

Don't drink.

you are a better man (woman?) than I...

126

SpaceJesus Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:42:05pm

this is why i've never given facebook an email address that belongs to me let alone stuff like phone number or address. creepy.

127

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:42:26pm

I am never ever giving personal info to that company, facebook has always creeped me out, I don't have an account, if I ever do, it'll be solely as a promotional tool

Too much concentration of power and access to intimate information = DISASTER

128

Interesting Times Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:42:34pm

re: #115 elizajane

Blew my mind too.

"...in the spirit of longed-for civility I say, Ms. Palin you are in a certain sense an example of the American dream: You have the courage to stand up and present your vision of America to its people. Your strength and lack of fear make America stronger and are examples to be emulated by girls and boys, men and women who are themselves afraid to speak up. You provide the example that they need for self-assurance."

[Link: www.realclearpolitics.com...]

In the same spirit, Mr. Koch, I say that you probably need a long, quiet vacation far away from anything political.

And I say...

In the same spirit, Mr. Koch, I say that you probably need a long, quiet vacation far away from ~~anything political~~ whatever substance you were drinking or smoking when you wrote that.

129

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:43:28pm

re: #84 Killgore Trout

She's just a disgusting piece of filth. No wonder she's Stormfront's new pinup gal.

130

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:43:38pm

so, all you NO REGULATION TYPES

This is something that should be regulated. This is something you need omg big government to help out with.

131

Ericus58 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:44:46pm

Pakistan hit by 7.4 Quake.....

132

brookly red Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:44:50pm

I accepted a FB invite years ago so I could keep in touch with a friend serving in Iraq, the day she returned was the last time I logged on.

133

Tigger2 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:44:57pm

re: #125 brookly red

you are a better man (woman?) than I...

LOL, No not better, just a recovering alcoholic.

134

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:44:57pm

re: #123 CuriousLurker

Heh, would that I knew how to do so.

All we need are an infinite amount of monkeys and an infinite amount of computers with keyboards and infinite amount of internet connections to do everything that you can do on the internet at once!

135

Interesting Times Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:45:12pm

re: #130 WindUpBird

I provide a real-world example of that in #32

136

SanFranciscoZionist Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:45:15pm

I am currently really hacked at Facebook, since they took down the account of a local pro-Israel activist who had been trading harsh words with some serious haters.

Took all his contacts, all his pictures, everything, and he hadn't said anything over the line. But all of them reported him, and whoosh went the account.

137

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:47:16pm

re: #102 CuriousLurker

In addition to having signed up using a nic rather than my real name and adding no contact info beyond a throwaway email address, what you've described is exactly how I use FB now, which is about once a month now at most. I only use it to keep in touch with a very specific group of friends—no family, no politics, no games/apps, etc.

I'm leery of all social networking sites, which is why I never use my real name when signing up for anything of that nature. I stopped visiting FB regularly about a year ago after having logged out and visited some Spanish language sites for some design research I was doing—upon logging back in, FB asked me if I wanted to change my interface language to Spanish. That sealed it for me.

Yea, but you can't delete your FB account. You can stop using it. You can dump everything you've uploaded, including all your friends, but the account remains. So theoretically, they're still tracking you.

138

latitude51 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:47:26pm

re: #130 WindUpBird

so, all you NO REGULATION TYPES

This is something that should be regulated. This is something you need omg big government to help out with.

I'm a self regulator, when not drinking.

139

Alexzander Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:48:46pm

re: #136 SanFranciscoZionist

I am currently really hacked at Facebook, since they took down the account of a local pro-Israel activist who had been trading harsh words with some serious haters.

Took all his contacts, all his pictures, everything, and he hadn't said anything over the line. But all of them reported him, and whoosh went the account.

Yeah FB is really easy to abuse that way. Apparently, you can just report that somebodies account is false/an impersonation, and they will immediately suspend it. You then have to submit scanned ID documents to get it back!!! Meanwhile, you could be made incapable of doing your work etc in the interim.

140

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:49:01pm

re: #104 brookly red

OT: OK, now I HAVE seen everything... Ed Koch, defending Sarah Palin.

I am snarkless.

He's getting on in years... I'll let him have the "early onset of dementia" excuse.

141

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:49:16pm

re: #138 latitude51

I'm a self regulator, when not drinking.

well, there's also the cosmic regulator, but we don't get to elect that dude

Youtube Video

142

Killgore Trout Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:50:19pm

re: #129 marjoriemoon

She's just a disgusting piece of filth. No wonder she's Stormfront's new pinup gal.

It's also a completely bogus story designed to stoke racial tensions. Some of the comments in the Fox thread claim that the statue was covered at the request of the park dept to protect it from accidental damage.

143

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:51:33pm

re: #137 marjoriemoon

Yea, but you can't delete your FB account. You can stop using it. You can dump everything you've uploaded, including all your friends, but the account remains. So theoretically, they're still tracking you.

sure, but in an abstract way. Like one would "track" people by being behind the counter in a record store and watching their behaviors.

The issue is them having all this personal information that's real and then just going HEY UNETHICAL COMPANY HAVE EVERYONE'S STUFF o_o

144

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:51:41pm

re: #137 marjoriemoon

Yea, but you can't delete your FB account. You can stop using it. You can dump everything you've uploaded, including all your friends, but the account remains. So theoretically, they're still tracking you.

I don't know how accurate this is or when it was written, but it claims you can if you don't login within 14 days of requesting deletion. Still, there no way to know for sure. *sigh*

145

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:52:09pm

re: #112 EmmmieG

The problem is that now that we are used to being able to chat daily with old friends and college roommates, we aren't going to want to give that up.

To be honest, the morons who have crawled out of the woodwork to friend me can really just go back under rocks. I know that sounds pretty rude, but some of these folks from high school, people I hardly spoke to in high school, seem to be on a race to have THE MOST FRIENDS EVAH. I don't accept anyone I don't know and less, anyone I haven't spoken to in 30 years.

146

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:53:20pm

re: #142 Killgore Trout

It's also a completely bogus story designed to stoke racial tensions. Some of the comments in the Fox thread claim that the statue was covered at the request of the park dept to protect it from accidental damage.

it seems Obama's election has basically blown the dam holding back a biblical tide of completely bogus stories designed to stoke racial tensions. :P

I was anticipating some of it, sorta sucks that America is exceeding my expectations in the whole racist crazy regard

147

recusancy Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:53:39pm

And then there are companies like twitter who actually care about their users.

148

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:55:19pm

re: #144 CuriousLurker

I don't know how accurate this is or when it was written, but it claims you can if you don't login within 14 days of requesting deletion. Still, there no way to know for sure. *sigh*

I tried to delete my account maybe 6 months ago, and was unable to do so.

Now you can dump everything about yourself and become unsearchable (which I am anyway) so no one can find you in Facebook, but it doesn't prevent Facebook from tracking you, obviously.

149

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:56:22pm

re: #119 Tigger2

But I tell strangers everything on street corners. You should see strangers, trying to get away from me, looking back over their shoulders, walking briskly, me following right behind them, telling them stuff...

150

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:56:25pm

re: #147 recusancy

And then there are companies like twitter who actually care about their users.

Wired has a great way of putting it:

Twitter beta-tested a spine.

151

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:57:31pm

re: #136 SanFranciscoZionist

I am currently really hacked at Facebook, since they took down the account of a local pro-Israel activist who had been trading harsh words with some serious haters.

Took all his contacts, all his pictures, everything, and he hadn't said anything over the line. But all of them reported him, and whoosh went the account.

The anti-Semites complained about the pro-Israel person and they dumped their account?

You know David Irving has a FB account? Him, not a fan page. I complain about it everytime I think about it.

152

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:57:59pm

"I would love to pull the wires from the wall"

Youtube Video

153

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:58:17pm

re: #144 CuriousLurker

I don't know how accurate this is or when it was written, but it claims you can if you don't login within 14 days of requesting deletion. Still, there no way to know for sure. *sigh*

hehe And once you log in, you've reactivated the account LOL I think that's BS though, but who knows.

154

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:58:20pm

One time I created a PHP script to grab info when someone hit the 404 page on one of my sites. To test it I had some FB friends hit the page.

The weird part was that some of their friends (who were not my friends) FB user names showed up in the results, so not only did I know precisely which friends had hit the page, I also knew which of their friends had been curious enough to click. Creepy.

Speaking of creepy, ditto for Google. I'm usually logged in to one Google account or another; upon looking at a web page's source code once, I noticed that my username for that GMail account was written to the page's code. Ugh.

155

Political Atheist Tue, Jan 18, 2011 12:59:53pm

O/T
I have a chance to buy what is said to be a good studio microphones. A Rode NT-2. Of course I'll need to invest in an adapter, not inexpensive either. Do any of you musicians have any experience with this condenser mic?

156

webevintage Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:00:31pm

re: #11 Fozzie Bear

The solution is simple. Stop putting your phone number and address into sites like Facebook.

I actually had no idea you could buy things on FB.
I use it to see what friends and family are up to and post annoying Palin stuff.

I always give the minimum required amount of information on websites.

157

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:00:53pm

re: #146 WindUpBird

it seems Obama's election has basically blown the dam holding back a biblical tide of completely bogus stories designed to stoke racial tensions. :P

I was anticipating some of it, sorta sucks that America is exceeding my expectations in the whole racist crazy regard

Same here. Sad.

158

Tigger2 Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:01:40pm

re: #149 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

But I tell strangers everything on street corners. You should see strangers, trying to get away from me, looking back over their shoulders, walking briskly, me following right behind them, telling them stuff...

Have you ever thought about giving them money or gifts to stay and listen.
It's terrible how the attention span of Americans has gone downhill.

159

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:06:08pm

re: #154 CuriousLurker

One time I created a PHP script to grab info when someone hit the 404 page on one of my sites. To test it I had some FB friends hit the page.

The weird part was that some of their friends (who were not my friends) FB user names showed up in the results, so not only did I know precisely which friends had hit the page, I also knew which of their friends had been curious enough to click. Creepy.

Speaking of creepy, ditto for Google. I'm usually logged in to one Google account or another; upon looking at a web page's source code once, I noticed that my username for that GMail account was written to the page's code. Ugh.

One of my main Yahoo accounts has been compromised. Awhile back, it was sending spam to my address book. I only had a few names, but I dumped the address book. Last week, I noticed it did it again, seemingly picking up names from my sent list. I've wiped out everything on that account, but like FB, I can't actually delete the address. I've since migrated over to GMAIL.

I thought of this the other day. I got a TOS violation from Yahoo last year for arguing with an anti-Semite on the comments section (I know, dumb idea...).

Anyway, they told me "listen young lady, one more crack outa you and we're taking away all your Yahoo accounts 4EVAH." Ok, more legal-like.

I'm sitting here thinking, this may be the only way to actually get them to get rid of me!! Nothing would make me happier. I despise them.

160

albusteve Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:09:46pm

re: #130 WindUpBird

so, all you NO REGULATION TYPES

This is something that should be regulated. This is something you need omg big government to help out with.

why?...it's free enterprise, let the chips fall where they may...people are giving this info up by their own free will...you cannot legislate stupid out of the gene pool

161

Decatur Deb Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:12:05pm

OT: Now a word from mah new guvn'er:

[Link: www.cbsnews.com...]

Gonna get religion and pray every day that his ass is raptured soon.

162

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:20:31pm

re: #159 marjoriemoon

One of my main Yahoo accounts has been compromised. Awhile back, it was sending spam to my address book. I only had a few names, but I dumped the address book. Last week, I noticed it did it again, seemingly picking up names from my sent list. I've wiped out everything on that account, but like FB, I can't actually delete the address. I've since migrated over to GMAIL.

I thought of this the other day. I got a TOS violation from Yahoo last year for arguing with an anti-Semite on the comments section (I know, dumb idea...).

Anyway, they told me "listen young lady, one more crack outa you and we're taking away all your Yahoo accounts 4EVAH." Ok, more legal-like.

I'm sitting here thinking, this may be the only way to actually get them to get rid of me!! Nothing would make me happier. I despise them.

Yeah, yahoo sucks and they seem to keep the address indefinitely. I stopped using them a few years back. These days the big companies are gobbling up so much that it makes it difficult to use a lot of popular services unless you have an account with them.

You can always get your own domain name (being sure to sign up for private registration), then get a cheap hosting account that'll let you create your own email addresses and delete them at will. That's what I do, but then dealing with web sites is my job. That method it would probably be too much of a PITA for someone who just needs a throwaway account.

163

beartiger Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:34:44pm

I haven't read this entire thread (no time), but I'd just like to say that I have never understood the privacy concerns around Facebook, nor do I find their settings complex at all. I look at the issue very practically: what is the impact on my life? So far, there has been zero negative impact. In 3 years, I have never been hacked. My gmail in-box continues to be spam free (thanks to their out of this world spam filters). I don't know what terror FB is supposed to have brought into my life.

OTOH, FB is an incredibly enjoyable way for me to keep in contact with my friends, share stories of mutual interest, crack jokes, share stuff about our families, arrange meets, etc. I can't imagine how any of the information I've shared on FB is supposed to be used against me. I suppose someone could call me, but I never put my phone number up there, so no. Mother's maiden name? Not there, either. Etc. Yeah, my home town is there, but so? Maybe Sarah Palin's people could go after me for all the anti-Palin rants I've posted there, but I'm not a moose, so they don't scare me. I'm not getting the threat here.

Sorry if this defense of FB sounds like a commercial for them. I have no affiliation and other standard disclaimers, but just wanted to get in an alternate POV.

164

What, me worry? Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:49:31pm

re: #162 CuriousLurker

Yeah, yahoo sucks and they seem to keep the address indefinitely. I stopped using them a few years back. These days the big companies are gobbling up so much that it makes it difficult to use a lot of popular services unless you have an account with them.

You can always get your own domain name (being sure to sign up for private registration), then get a cheap hosting account that'll let you create your own email addresses and delete them at will. That's what I do, but then dealing with web sites is my job. That method it would probably be too much of a PITA for someone who just needs a throwaway account.

I do have a website, a home page, remember those? I've had it probably 15 years. That's the address I never give away. I think 5 people have it.

165

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 18, 2011 1:56:28pm

re: #164 marjoriemoon

I do have a website, a home page, remember those? I've had it probably 15 years. That's the address I never give away. I think 5 people have it.

Ah, okay. I usually have anywhere between 12-18 domains registered at any given time, but they all have different uses. There are some that I use for the internet & friends/family and others that are strictly for business.

166

ClaudeMonet Tue, Jan 18, 2011 9:00:07pm

re: #40 latitude51

re: #15 jaunte

re: #19 Alexzander

We three Troglodytes.

Make that four.

I don't have a FB account. I've never had one. I don't see the need for it. I already waste enough time online. I don't care about the minutiae of the lives of my friends, let alone strangers; while I wish all of them well and enjoy my time with them, I really don't need ALL the details.

If I want to buy stuff, I take the initiative, so I don't need marketers coming to me.

And when someone reacts to my not having a Fb account with something like, "How can you NOT have a Facebook account?", I reply, "It's easy."

I'm not militant about it, but I believe in privacy. If someone needs/wants to reach me, I have multiple e-mail accounts, two phones, and a mailbox.

Spy Mode Auto

This article has been archived.
Comments are closed.

Jump to top

Facebook Backs Down on Outrageous Privacy Violation

► LGF Headlines

► Top 10 Comments

► Bottom Comments

► Recent Comments

► Tools/Info

► Tag Cloud