Security and Privacy Issues of Social Networking

One of the biggest issues connected with use of social networks like Facebook or Myspace is certainly the protection of personal information. Once an individual creates an online account most of his private data becomes public and accessible not just by friends but also other community members. Of course it needs to be stated that each individual can adjust its profile’s security settings. But even such features do not prevent some data to appear on other related web pages. Just how much can an innocent party photo complicate our professional or private life? 

Many companies and schools now use social networking sites to spy on employees or prosecute pupils. Kyle Oppenhuizen (2008) of USA TODAY submits examples of US school policies, which were adopted in order to prevent the students from being punished for revealing sensitive information on social networking websites. For example, Ohio State University rules state: “Athletes "shall not post or contribute any content to any social networking or other Internet site that reflect negatively … on yourself, your team. …" The university may monitor sites, and athletes may not block coaches or staff members from viewing. Coaches are given discretion of how to monitor their team”. More than 20 other schools have edited athletes' contracts banning the students from posting personal information and photos on social networking sites.

Similarly some companies prohibit their employees from accessing social networking sites to protect the company’s business strategy and interests (Johnson, 2008). Not only is the companies network in danger of being hacked from the outside, but it is also vulnerable to viruses. Beside security issues, frequent visits to check Facebook or Myspace profiles at work effect productivity and performance of employees.

As appealing as social networking sites are, it is important to be cautious and consider not only the advantages but also disadvantages of living a public online life.

References:
Oppenhuizen, K. (2008, July 28). Schools Creating New Rules For Social Networking Policies. Retrieved January 4, 2009, http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2008-07-27social- networks_N.htm

Johnson, S. (2008, December 10). Social Networking Sites Concern Cyber-security Experts. McClatchy – Tribune News Service. Retrieved January 5, 2009, from ProQuest database.

Picture: http://www.socialsignal.com/system/files/images/2007-09-21-facebook.gif