Dossier

Maria Silvia Leon
Theme 1
Is our security at risk when using social networking sites, like Facebook?
Why did I choose this theme?
I chose this theme because I think, nowadays, we use the internet in huge amounts and sometimes we don’t know the risk we put ourselves in.
For instance, Facebook, is one of the most used social networking sites in the world, and frequently people add very privateinformation, which can be seen by everyone added in their “friends” lists, forgetting that any hacker could get into our account.
Frequently people forget the reason why they open their facebook’s account, and reveal things that aren’t congruent with their main goal, for example, if you open your facebook account so you can be in touch with your family, and friends, then you should only add yourfamily and close friends; But if you want your facebook account to be sort of a business card, then you shouldn’t publish anything about your private life, and this is one of the reasons why social networking is dangerous.
Moreover, when we publish pictures, and show about our trips and way of living, we’re showing private information, which is very dangerous since anyone could see what kind ofperson you are, or how much you possess.
Later, we also know that Facebook has being object of hard criticism of its privacy policy, because it seems that Facebook owners can do whatever they feel like with your private information, even if you close your account they’re going to keep your information, and I personally believe that that is very prejudicial for every Facebook user.
In conclusion, Ithink internet is very useful but we have to learn how to use it, and be careful with what we do with it.

Source 1:
Facebook changes privacy policy |
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Facebook has agreed to make worldwide changes to its privacy policy as a result of negotiations with Canada's privacy commissioner. Last month the social network was found to breach Canadian law by holding on to users' personal dataindefinitely. Facebook has now agreed to make changes to the way it handles this information and be more transparent about what data it collects and why. It will also make it clear that users can deactivate or delete their account. "These changes mean that the privacy of 200 million Facebook users in Canada and around the world will be far better protected," said Canadian privacy commissioner JenniferStoddart. "We're very pleased Facebook has been responsive to our recommendations." The decision could also have implications for other social networking websites, she said. Elliot Schrage, vice president of global communications and public policy at Facebook, said he believed the new policies set "a new standard for the industry". 'Unrestricted access'As well as updating the privacy policy,Facebook has said it will make changes that will give users more control over the data they provide to third-party developers of applications, such as games and quizzes. There are around 950,000 developers in 180 countries who provide applications for the site. Specifically, the changes will require applications to state which information they wish to access and obtain consent from the user before itis used or shared. "Application developers have had virtually unrestricted access to Facebook users' personal information," said Ms Stoddart. "The changes Facebook plans to introduce will allow users to control the types of personal information that applications can access." The site will also encourage users to review their privacy settings and make it clear to users that they can delete ordeactivate an account, and what the difference is between the two. Facebook's Michael Richter said if a user chose to deactivate their account, the site would still store their information "even if it is for 10 years". "We're committing to that user," he said. "We want them to know that if they change their mind they can always come back." The social network has said work on the changes will begin...