Slashdot Mirror
Facebook Is Building Shadow Profiles of Non-Users
An anonymous reader writes "As noted previously, Max Schrems of Europe Versus Facebook has filed numerous complaints about Facebook's data collection practices. One complaint that has failed to draw much scrutiny regards Facebook's creation of Shadow Profiles. 'This is done by different functions that encourage users to hand personal data of other users and non-users to Facebook... (e.g. synchronizing mobile phones, importing personal data from
e-mail providers, importing personal information from instant messaging services, sending invitations
to friends or saving search queries when users search for other people on facebook.com). This means that even if you don't use it, you may already have a profile on Facebook.'"
I think that went out the window when they became a registered sex offender.
You'd be surprised what could get you on the registered sex offender list. When I purchased my house, I checked the list. Apparently, a guy down the street had a physical relationship with a 17 year old when he was 20. He's now on the list for life because of a vindictive parent, bad breakup, etc.
Use Ghostery - it kills web bugs in web sites just like Adblock kills ads.
It's about non-users who HAVE NEVER USED THE DAMN THING and yet are being profiled and harrassed by FB. (like "Hey, these guys are on FB, we know they're your friends, why don't you join ? Oh, and we know where you live and what school your kids go to. Just saying.")
In Soviet Russia, our new overlords are belong to all your base.
How is this not a violation of the data protection act? I quote from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Protection_Act_1998)
1. Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully and, in particular, shall not be processed unless- [...]
Personal data should only be processed fairly and lawfully. In order for data to be classed as 'fairly processed', at least one of these six conditions must be applicable to that data (Schedule 2).
The data subject (the person whose data is stored) has consented ("given their permission") to the processing;
Processing is necessary for the performance of, or commencing, a contract;
Processing is required under a legal obligation (other than one stated in the contract);
Processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject;
Processing is necessary to carry out any public functions;
Processing is necessary in order to pursue the legitimate interests of the "data controller" or "third parties" (unless it could unjustifiably prejudice the interests of the data subject).[8]
Is any of the above true? I certainly did not consent for my data to be processed when I am not on Facebook. Also note, it is not important who has given the data to Facebook, the DPA talks about the data subject -> The person the data is about.