A new generation of venture capital(VC)-backed websites flying the flag of social networking are now openly seeking users to publish sensitive personal information, such as recent online purchases. Some of these websites, like Blippy and Swipely are even outright asking you access to divulge your personal email account access to them.
You can check out an article on this subject here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/23/technology/23share.html?ref=technology
We can blame this trend on the combination of the following factors:
1) VC companies wanting clearer pay-back business models
2) The eagerness (and ignorance) of people (not just teenagers) who are confused into thinking social networking and exposing buying behaviours are the same thing
3) The general appeal of the Internet as an open microphone- For sites like Twitter and now Blippy, it’s too easy to accidentally publish impulsive chatter.
Social networking sites collectively may pose serious threats not only in personal identity theft, but also personal harm. For example, websites such as Foursquare feature the ability to publish where you are doing what through GPS-style technology through your handheld device. This, or something to the effect of announcing vacation plans can be intel for burglars when
you’re not home.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking Social networking means publishing your personal information! Work with experienced Internet marketing firms like http://www.49er-consulting.com who know the fine balance of how to deploy your commercial social networking needs WITHOUT exposing your business
or customers to this sort of risk waiting to happen.
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