Privacy commissioner launches Facebook probe after law students file c

[p858snake]

Privacy commissioner launches Facebook probe after law students file complaint

TORONTO ? The federal privacy commissioner has launched an investigation into Facebook after University of Ottawa law students complained the site breaches Canadian law by disclosing personal information to advertisers without obtaining proper consent.

The students, some who are dedicated Facebook users, allege in a complaint lodged Friday that the popular social networking website has committed 22 violations of the law.

"There's definitely some significant shortcomings with Facebook's privacy settings and with their ability to protect users," said Harley Finkelstein, 24, one of the four students behind the complaint.

"If a 14-year-old kid in Toronto decides to join Facebook, and is prompted to add a network, and he decides to join the Toronto network - because that's where he lives - does he really know that everyone on that network - by default - will have access to his personal information?"

The students drew up the complaint after comparing the company's policies and practices to Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Facebook refuted the claims, saying the complaint ignores key elements of the company's policy.

"We've reviewed the complaint and found it has serious factual errors - most notably its neglect of the fact that almost all Facebook data is willingly shared by users," Facebook chief privacy officer Chris Kelly said Friday in an e-mail. "The complaint also misinterprets PIPEDA in a manner that would effectively forbid voluntary online sharing of information."

Kelly said Facebook has worked with Ontario's information and privacy commissioner to create a brochure and video that will educate users about the site's privacy controls.

"We take all complaints very seriously," said Anne-Marie Hayden, spokeswoman for the federal privacy commissioner's office. "We have no reason to believe that Facebook will not be co-operative."

The students claim Facebook deceives users about its foray into targeted advertising. They allege the company doesn't obtain proper consent - getting permission from the user to disclose personal information - and fails to give notice, meaning it doesn't clearly inform them about who is seeing their information.

"Everyone realizes the Internet is a little bit unsecure, but because it's Facebook, it lends some credibility," said Jordan Plener, 25, another of the students involved in the complaint.

Canadian law mandates that sensitive information - in Facebook, details like address, sexual preference, birthdate and school - can't be disclosed without gaining express consent. On the site, users must specifically change their settings to keep that information private.

Though Facebook has recently taken some steps to overhaul its privacy system, Plener said the main concern has been to improve esthetics.

Under law, the privacy commissioner has up to one year to investigate the complaint and make recommendations. The office plans to launch a website next week dedicated to educating youth about privacy on the Internet.

Source: The Canadian Press

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"We've reviewed the complaint and found it has serious factual errors - most notably its neglect of the fact that almost alFacebook data is willingly shared by usersb>,"

I know several people (including myself) that don't like using our full first names on the web but are made to by face book which is visible to everyone in the same networks as you (i'm fine with just an initial being visible but still searchable by full name eg: J. Smith compared to John Smith)

[Smigit]

"If a 14-year-old kid in Toronto decides to join Facebook, and is prompted to add a network, and he decides to join the Toronto network - because that's where he lives - does he really know that everyone on that network - by default - will have access to his personal information?"

Umm, isnt the entire point of a group on a social networking site to allow those people to contact one another. I mean...seriously.

As stated in the article information has to be willingly supplied so I don't see the big issue.

[+Gary7 Subscriber²]

Facebook is not the only one doing this.

[soldier1st]

if you dont want this to happen then simply dont put in personal info problem solved.i think they were looking into making a quick buck by alleging this n that and they hoped facebook would cough up some mega bucks but the students did not do there research properly and it is true that i am uncertain of social networking sites.

[Justin-]

I know several people (including myself) that don't like using our full first names on the web but are made to by face book which is visible to everyone in the same networks as you (i'm fine with just an initial being visible but still searchable by full name eg: J. Smith compared to John Smith)

If you don't want your full name shown, go to MySpace. Facebook was designed to be a more professional social network -- that means you can look at profiles and see *gasp* REAL names. Those who use fake ones are annoying, and it's great when Facebook cleans them up (by deleting them).

As for privacy, I have mine pretty much open to anyone. I don't have anything to hide, so I really don't care what people see of my profile. I know other people who keep theirs completely blocked and only friends can have any contact with them or see their pictures. If that's what they want to do -- cool; it can be annoying at times, though.

[spenser.d]

Anyone else have a problem with the fact that the students filing the complaint have no reason to, other than to be jack***es? They're law students and now they think they can do whatever they want. It's like they think that these privacy concerns haven't been looked at or brought up by any real lawyers yet.

-Spenser

[GEIST]

Whoever wants privacy within a social network is a complete ****ing idiot to begin with. If you want privacy, stay offline.

[Saarineames]

lol @ that guy's name ... sounds like a cartoon character.

Harley Finkelstein: Motorcycle Attorney

[hagjohn]

They shouldn't allow anyone under age anyway.

[LipSmacker]

They shouldn't allow anyone under age anyway.

Totally agree. It was a lot better when it was college students only.

[C_Guy]

I'm sure they will use the Google-defense and say the targeted ads are simple meant to "enhance" their Facebook experience.