13 million U.S. Facebook users are oversharing -- and likely don't know it
Contributed by: Email on 05/05/2012 02:39 PM
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Consumer Reports indicates that up to 8% of Facebook's 150 million U.S. users fail to protect themselves while on the social network. 4.8 million people potentially tipped off burglars by posting plans that pinpointed where they'd be on certain days. Another 4.7 million "liked" a Facebook page about health conditions or treatments that could be used against them by insurance companies.
But despite poor choices, Consumer Reports also blamed Facebook for failing to provide a reader-friendly privacy policy that explains the enormous amounts of data it collects and distributes widely. It also says the company could better manage and package its privacy controls so less savvy users can better control their sensitive data.
It appears one way users protect themselves is to lie. One in four admitted to falsifying information in their profile to mask their true identities. Some do it to hide from employers; others to help prevent identity theft.
"The result is that unless youve chosen your privacy settings meticulously, a friend who runs an app could grant it access to your information without your knowledge. Given that fact, its troubling that our survey found that only 37 percent of Facebook users say they have used the sites privacy tools to customize how much information apps are allowed to see."
But the report also makes it clear users will need to be more proactive about their online privacy by regularly reviewing their Facebook privacy settings and protecting basic information. They also should be sure to limit all past, present and future wall posts to just friends.
Also, Consumer Reports recommends blocking apps and sites that spy on users or allow friends to share another's personal information by using controls that limit the information apps can see. Similarly, you can restrict views of wall posts or items in your profile.
But despite poor choices, Consumer Reports also blamed Facebook for failing to provide a reader-friendly privacy policy that explains the enormous amounts of data it collects and distributes widely. It also says the company could better manage and package its privacy controls so less savvy users can better control their sensitive data.
It appears one way users protect themselves is to lie. One in four admitted to falsifying information in their profile to mask their true identities. Some do it to hide from employers; others to help prevent identity theft.
"The result is that unless youve chosen your privacy settings meticulously, a friend who runs an app could grant it access to your information without your knowledge. Given that fact, its troubling that our survey found that only 37 percent of Facebook users say they have used the sites privacy tools to customize how much information apps are allowed to see."
But the report also makes it clear users will need to be more proactive about their online privacy by regularly reviewing their Facebook privacy settings and protecting basic information. They also should be sure to limit all past, present and future wall posts to just friends.
Also, Consumer Reports recommends blocking apps and sites that spy on users or allow friends to share another's personal information by using controls that limit the information apps can see. Similarly, you can restrict views of wall posts or items in your profile.
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