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Google Researchers Warn of Automated Social Info Sharing

Posted by Soulskill on from the don't-post-what-you-want-kept-private dept.

holy_calamity writes "Researchers from Google have written a paper about how social networks can undermine privacy. The most interesting scenario they discuss is 'merging social graphs' — when correlating multiple social networks makes it possible to reveal connections that a person has intentionally kept secret (PDF). For example, it may be possible to work out that a certain LinkedIn user is the same person as a MySpace user, despite their attempting to keep their profiles separate. The Google solution is to develop software that screens new data added to a social network, attempting to find out if it could be fodder to such data mining."

7 of 124 comments (clear)

  1. Hmm... by SlashThat · · Score: 2, Funny

    I thought Google would be the ones undermining privacy in this case...

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    1's and 0's should be free.
  2. Shout FIRE by retech · · Score: 4, Funny

    Google warning of privacy issues is like an arsonist holding a can of gas and a lit match shouting FIRE in an already burning theater.

  3. Re:I Wonder... by exley · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yes, they are helping protect privacy by developing software that can... Help undermine privacy.

  4. Social networking bigamy by Valacosa · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wow. I hope my Facebook girlfriend doesn't find out about my MySpace girlfriend.

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    "Live as if you'll die tomorrow." Ridiculous. You could die later today.
    1. Re:Social networking bigamy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Your WHO?!?! - Your's Truly, ur /. gf

    2. Re:Social networking bigamy by value_added · · Score: 2, Funny

      I hope my Facebook girlfriend doesn't find out about my MySpace girlfriend.

      You'll have bigger worries if your wife finds out about either.

  5. Re:For me... by Jeian · · Score: 2, Funny

    And yet you're posting as AC. :p