Is Facebook trading privacy for connections?

by Steve Ragan - Apr 20 2010, 18:35

In a blog post, the EFF’s Kurt Opsahl noted that times have changed when it comes to Facebook’s privacy settings in 2006 compared to where they are now. The latest privacy debate on Facebook centers on a new feature announced on Monday called connections, but should you worry?

Facebook explains the connections feature as more than “boring text”, as parts of your profile, such as current city, hometown, education and work, likes, and interests, will now contain links to pages, “so your profile will become immediately more connected to the places, things and experiences that matter to you.” [Link]

Control over the connections part of your profile is hit or miss. In the past, if you liked a movie you would simply list it in your profile under interests. Now, said listing will actually turn into a link to a page about the movie, and you as well as anyone else who lists that movie will be publically listed on its page.

When they announced connections, Facebook used cooking as an example. This same example was highlighted by Opsahl in his post.

“Cooking is not very controversial or privacy-sensitive, and thus makes for a good example from Facebook's perspective. Who would want to conceal their interest in cooking?” Opsahl asked.

“Of course, the new program will also create public lists for controversial issues, such as an interest in abortion rights, gay marriage, marijuana, tea parties and so on. But even for an innocuous interest like cooking, it’s not clear how this change is meant to benefit Facebook's users. An ordinary human is not going to look through the list of Facebook's millions of cooking fans. It's far too large. Only data miners and targeted advertisers have the time and inclination to delve that deeply.”

Facebook is aware of the privacy concerns, but makes no mention of a targeted advertising system. Advertising is big business, and focused ads are a key part to that. Many reports, including a Financial Times report, singled out Facebook’s connections, suggesting that it was a behavioral advertising platform, as it would allow Facebook to gather data about its users to better target services to them.

The Financial Times story was heavily corrected in subsequent updates, and we’re not the only ones to notice. Scott M. Fulton, III who writes for BetaNews, reported that a Facebook spokesperson told him that the Financial Times report was inaccurate.

“However, the spokesperson's explanation was noteworthy not for saying that Facebook isn't building such a system, but rather that no such system was being announced today.” He wrote. [Link]

“While the data being gathered through the creation of Community pages may not be expressly assembled for marketing purposes, it appears the ability to do so remains feasible - something which an enterprising developer may discover as soon as Wednesday.”

When it comes to privacy settings, Facebook reminded users to keep in mind that, “Facebook Pages you connect to are public. You can control which friends are able to see connections listed on your profile, but you may still show up on Pages you're connected to. If you don't want to show up on those Pages, simply disconnect from them by clicking the "Unlike" link in the bottom left column of the Page,” Facebook notes.

In addition, Facebook said that a new section under the Privacy Settings menu named "Friends, Tags and Connections" will grant you control over who can see these parts of your profile.

The problem is that the privacy settings on Facebook are seen as confusing to some, and they are limited. Not to mention, for the mass majority, only the basic privacy settings are used, most simply never bothered to set them. This is why many privacy advocates argue that Facebook should make privacy default, and stop requiring users to opt-out of information sharing.

There is a loophole in Facebook’s newest feature Opsahl noted, “…tell Facebook you're under 18.”

“Under Facebook's policy for minors, your interests would only be visible for friends and family and verified networks. You would not be publicly listed on these new connection pages.”

Opsahl ended his post by pointing out that, “The new connections features benefit Facebook and its business partners, with little benefit to you. But what are you going to do about it?”

His answer - let Facebook hear your frustration. Facebook has relented on some changes in the past based on feedback from their users. If the connections features offer any concern, you should voice them. However, if the addition remains, then the only safe bet is to limit the amount of information on your profile.

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