Facebook Continues To Sell Out Users

There is no expectation of privacy in public, last I checked. If I'm on the sidewalk in my underwear (yes, I've been on the sidewalk in my underwear – it was the Rocky Horror midnight show when I was younger and skinnier) it's kind of hard to get upset when other people see me. So why should Facebook, or any other social (public) network, be different?

Beacon was one thing. Tracking people off-site isn't much different than following them around town and broadcasting their every move – also known as stalking/harassment/paparazzi. It's even creepier online because it's like peeping in someone's window. The next big concern that appears to be rising is the corporate use of user-uploaded information and content. We've had this Facebook revolt over the introduction of the Facebook News Feed. Or more recently…Remember the Megan McCarthy at Wired might be right about Facebook's Social Ads being overshadowed by the Beacon fiasco, and that a privacy debacle sequel is revving up. She shows a screen shot of a Blockbuster ad that uses a Facebook member photo and announcement that the member added an application. She writes, "there is no notification that you are allowing Blockbuster to use your name and profile picture in a display ad. [Forrester Research senior analyst Jeremiah] Owyang suggests that Facebook ought to inform users up front and make it very clear what "becoming a fan" entails, or change the system to an opt-in model. Currently, there is not even any way to opt-out of participation in Social Ads, other than by avoiding associating yourself with any corporate brands on Facebook." Yes, Facebook again is being a bit of a jerk, usurping user-uploaded information to its benefit. But do we really expect different behavior? We could get into a moral or ethical discussion, but it still comes back to the user sacrificing a bit of privacy, or at least ownership, for the privilege of using someone else's network (billboard space). Facebook has to find a way to make money, or there won't be a Facebook for long. Sure, they could be nicer about it, but is it too much to assume the public understands that there is no privacy in public? Maybe so. Only time will tell if Facebook users tolerate it or find another social network that respects their public privacy, or is at least less assuming about their willingness to participate in the business of social networking.