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Facebook will take action to protect the privacy and security of their users

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Re: Facebook will take action to protect the privacy and security of their users

#22
post #12

If an (prospective) employer asked for a email/social account password, you should leave immediately, period.

What if it is for national security, like working for the CIA or MI5?

If you're even being considered for a job at the CIA et al, you have a long history trailing behind you that they can dig through. Getting your Facebook information likely wouldn't give them any more relevant data than is already available to these agencies.

Re: Facebook will take action to protect the privacy and security of their users

#23

Every once in a while Facebook does the right thing. Is there any sort of self-motivating factor that I'm missing here? (other than good PR)

Their only asset is their users' data, and they don't want anyone else getting at it for free? /cynicism

"Facebook Introductions™, coming this spring 2014, gives employers a unique way to get to know candidates before hiring them. Don't worry, we don't share anything private – Introductions just allows subscribing businesses to see your Timeline as a friend would.

It's the perfect way for employers to find the best cultural fit quickly, and can even be a great conversation starter for interviews."

Re: Facebook will take action to protect the privacy and security of their users

#24

Every once in a while Facebook does the right thing. Is there any sort of self-motivating factor that I'm missing here? (other than good PR)

I would think the fear of current or potential employers using your data against you is just one more thing to add to any unease people may already have about sharing more and more of their personal information with Facebook. These things add up, and I'm sure FB have seen at least a small bump in account deactivations coinciding with the recent spate of articles on this subject.

Re: Facebook will take action to protect the privacy and security of their users

#26

While I completely agree that this is unacceptable and applaud facebook for their attempt at protecting users, there is a bit of irony in this move. Wasn't it Zuckerberg who has repeatedly expressed the idea that privacy is no longer a social norm, almost to the point of fatalism.?

This was my thought exactly, along with, with respect to Erin the Chief Privacy Officer, I won't believe it unless Zuckerberg co-signs this.

Sort of a corollary of Sagan's law: extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

Critical company statements need to be signed by the CEO.

Re: Facebook will take action to protect the privacy and security of their users

#27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Their only asset is their users' data, and they don't want anyone else getting at it for free? /cynicism

"Facebook Introductions™, coming this spring 2014, gives employers a unique way to get to know candidates before hiring them. Don't worry, we don't share anything private – Introductions just allows subscribing businesses to see your Timeline as a friend would. It's the perfect way for employers to find the best cultural fit quickly, and can even be a great conversation starter for interviews."

I really doubt it. This kinda of thing would be received very, very poorly costing Facebook users. Furthermore I don't think Facebook is in the market of selling individuals personal information, they sell aggregate information, and provide targeted ads.

People like to paint Facebook as an antagonist who is working to degrade personal privacy, but really they are acting in their own interest of making money by providing a service that people want to use. Facebook is not working against you, it also isn't working for you.

Re: Facebook will take action to protect the privacy and security of their users

#29
post #17
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The trouble, as always, are the more vulnerable people in society. Folks who may not have a lot of options, or really need to stay at a current job. They are more vulnerable to this sort of exploitation. I wish facebook would organize an advocacy group or class action lawsuits against a list of these employers.

Or give you a second password to show a cleaned up profile.

Then they will require that you give them two passwords.

Or, to crib from jwz: now you have two problems.

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