Why you can't afford to ignore the new Facebook privacy settings.

Posted in 'Identity Theft' by Richard Catlin

21 December 2009

Social networking giant Facebook is under fire for changes to its privacy settings that could leave its users more vulnerable to identity theft.

Identity fraudsters have been targeting social networking sites in an effort to glean personal details that they can then use to try and hack bank accounts or apply for new lines of credit.

Civil liberty campaigners are up in arms at the websites new ‘opt out’ policy, which requires users to actively change the settings in order to prevent all and sundry from being able to see their personal information.

Whereas in the past, only a small amount of information was available to non “friends”, the new settings mean that other Facebook users will be able to see lots more information, even if they don’t know you. Coupled with Google’s announcement that it is to start including real-time Facebook updates in its search engine listings, and the potential for personal data falling into the wrong hands seems to be increased considerably.

At the same time, Facebook has quietly announced that it is willing to settle a class-action lawsuit with thousands of users relating to its controversial ‘Beacon’ advertising platform that Facebook rolled out in 2007. Beacon tracked user activity across the rest of the internet, and broadcast it to their friends in an attempt to encourage them to do likewise, earning advertising revenues in the process.

This latest move seems to be proving just as unpopular, and with identity theft increasing all the time, it is an unwelcome additional opportunity for criminals to try and steal personal information.

If you are at all worried about an increased risk of identity theft, you can check whether your current lifestyle leaves you vulnerable by using our free Identity Theft Check Service, including hints and tips on how to stay protected. Facebook’s own guide to updating your privacy settings so that only people you know and trust can see your personal data can be found here.

Check whether you are at risk of identity theft now.