Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateThe security glitches that yesterday exposed Facebook user's private chats and friend requests offer yet another reminder that you should never assume that information you disclose online will be kept private.
As we pointed out at Consumer Reports's panel discussion Social Insecurity on Tuesday, Facebook itself has a policy of sharing your personal information with its business partners unless you complete a series of steps to deny the permission Facebook assumed you gave. (The policy of giving you the right to withdraw permission you never actually gave is euphemistically known as "opt-out")
Besides security breaches (and there have been others on Facebook before) and Facebook's own privacy policy, there are other privacy threats to Facebook users.
As we describe in our current investigative report on social networks: Facebook software apps can access personal information; your Facebook ID photo can be downloaded and used by strangers; scammers can hijack your Facebook account and access your personal information; and your online friends can inadvertently (or purposely) disclose your information to others.
That's why we support the call for increased consumer protection of Facebook users.
Here's what you should take away from all this: Be very, very careful what you disclose on Facebook, or any other social network.
For free tips on how to protect yourself on Facebook, see 7 things to stop doing now on Facebook.
Weigh in below with your own privacy tips, and experiences, using Facebook.
—Jeff Fox
—Jeffrey Fox
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
