Blog Social networking

Data privacy and social media have in the news numerous times regarding user protection and revamping privacy laws. This can be alarming for users who may not want to have their information stored. Apple and Google have advertising IDs for IOS  and Android apps based on where you're posting from and what you been looking at. Facebooks take it a step further by having tracking pixels that know where you've visited online and measure data based on your purchase history or which items you have viewed. We can't fully be assured if our information is private or being sold off to outside companies. Andrea Downing is one user on Facebook who is an admin for a private Facebook group for helping women at risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She was concerned that sensitive information that is shared within the private group might be tracked by Facebook. She went on to call a cybersecurity researcher who confirmed her suspicious by finding a loophole in the privacy setting for closed Facebook groups which allow developers, marketers, and others to download the membership list of groups using a Facebook Developer Account. Downing has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission regarding this loophole which can leave members vulnerable to exploitation. Cases like Andrea's are nothing new to Facebook who has come across who has created numerous attempts at manipulating the information of users on their website which entitles users to fully private groups to have their information disclosed. 

On the other hand, some users would want their information out as much as possible which provides a mutually beneficial relationship.  Ziprecruiter is a job search engine that benefits job seeks and job employers alike. Information about applications and individuals that are uploaded by the user provide allow job candidates to push their resume out in the market. Individuals are able to provide context on their job and how they can be benefit employers. 

Data information should be transparent to users who shouldn't be concerned regarding the company breaking their own promises they made. When users sign up for social media platforms there needs to be a level of commitment from the platform. Platforms have to provide proper terms and compliance for users that are easy to read, understand and not having to think like a lawyer for every move online. The future of social media platforms should provide better leadership for users to be able to have their problems addressed and not be under red flags. 

Citation

Cnn. “This Breast Cancer Advocate Says She Discovered a Facebook Flaw That Put the Health Data of Millions at Risk.” KTVZ, 1 Mar. 2020, ktvz.com/health/2020/03/01/this-breast-cancer-advocate-says-she-discovered-a-facebook-flaw-that-put-the-health-data-of-millions-at-risk/.

Handrick, Laura. “What Is ZipRecruiter: Features, Pricing, & How It Works.” Fit Small Business, 5 Feb. 2020, fitsmallbusiness.com/what-is-ziprecruiter-features-pricing/.