Will Social Networks Opt-Out of the Opt-Out Privacy Model?
Privacy has been a major issue with all Social Networks. While the networks do try to address the issues, most of the times – the solution provided is opting out of certain features. Researchers have tested a new privacy model, based on Bayesian Belief Networks – which creates a win-win situation for both the users and the network.
Everyday so many users join Social Networking Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, MySpace etc, to keep up with friends, organize events with friends, make new friends, or flirt. One of the main features of SNSs is the”profile” where users post information about themselves. The profile can include real name, e-mail, physical address, phone number, academic classification, major, hometown, birthdates, sexual orientation, relationship status, interests, job history, favorite music/movies/books, etc. This revelation of personal information provides credibility to the profile and also helps match with other profiles. Users post personal information for a variety of reasons – 89% use it to keep up with friends, 57% use it make plans with friends, and 49% use it to make new friends. How much and what kind of information is revealed depend on users’ privacy concern and the trust on the SNS and its members.
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Cyberspace is the new Wild West frontier where sophisticated hacking is like having the fastest gun. Man-in-the-middle attacks are common place, while credit card PIN crackers lead the pack of cyber outlaws. Neither SSL websites nor the “smart” grid can be considered safe anymore. Lucifer, AKA a social engineer, may dwell on your friend’s list within instant messengers or social sites. Even if you manage to avoid tweeting your intentions, botnets, or clickjackers, the vast frontier of cyberspace is shrinking in regards to your privacy.
