Think Twice Before You Use That Facebook App!
by Kevin (Kun Hao) Wang
After a day’s hard work, many finds surfing on Facebook to be relaxing and safe. Yet, according to an investigation by the Wall Street Journal, “tens of millions” of apps on Facebook transfers varying information of it’s users to their personal databases even when user accounts were set to private. All of the 10 most popular apps on Facebook transmits its user’s information to its private databases and then sells them to research companies and advertising firms. Further attention is directed towards the privacy protection of Facebook users as apps are still finding it’s way to its’ user’s private information.
This in the long term could seriously hinder Facebook’s popularity as the world’s most adored social networking website is entrenched with spies disguised as friendly apps. It is unacceptable to use Facebook as a media to make a profit out of user information. Worst, it is done under the condition which many are unaware of. Who would’ve thought that relaxing on Facebook and farming on one’s virtual farm could lead to his/her private information being sent to else where in the world? Facebook must take a tough stand against this exploitation of social networking as it’s reliability is seriously hindered.
Sources: Jacqui Cheng, Ars Technica © 2010 Condé Nast Digital.
