Facebook Friends Sold

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Over the past several months, security concerns over FaceBook practices have arisen. FaceBook has made several major changes to their appearance and services, prompting many users to believe that security settings they have previously relied on to keep their information private have been changed. This has lead to numerous ‘scares’ and mass emails with instructions to reset security protocols in order to maintain protection over sensitive private information. This has addressed the concerns of many users; unfortunately, some still believe there is a major security breach: the selling of ‘friends.’ While this sounds like a high school joke, it is anything but. The very idea that FaceBook friends sold for money is scary enough. When you consider why, it gets even scarier.

Remember that many business people utilize FaceBook as a part of their website optimization program. Developing an online profile and participating in various events can lead to increased visibility. A large friend list is all but required for this to be successful. This is where the problem ...
... comes in. Several companies, most notably one based in the United Kingdom, have decided to cash in on this concept. They have created a large number of fake FaceBook profiles and are selling them for hundreds of dollars. This idea is problematic for several reasons.

1. It violates FaceBook TOS
2. Fake profiles may do little more than clog servers
3. It leads to the possibility that real ID’s may soon be sold as well.

Unscrupulous entrepreneurs are always looking for a way to make a fast buck on the internet. They use a wide variety of techniques to steal personal information, passwords and more. In theory, one such person could easily compile a list of real FaceBook ID’s and sell them to the highest bidder. This could obviously lead to a breach of confidential information, especially for those users who do not actively protect their privacy through security measures and careful profile postings.

Obviously FaceBook would be against any such sale but there is little that can be done proactively by FaceBook to protect users. Instead, it is suggested that users remain vigilant in their use of FaceBook or any social media site. Carefully reviewing status updates, not including phone numbers or addresses on a profile page and never accepting a friend request from someone you do not know are excellent ways to keep yourself protected.

FaceBook has long worked to keep the privacy of their users safe. They employ a wide variety of security settings that users can customize to their level of comfort. Still, information must be guarded by the users themselves. It is the only way to ensure that your privacy remains intact.

Users are also suggested to report any suspicious activity directly to the FaceBook staff. Requests for password information, spam and other odd emails or messages should be immediately reported. FaceBook is a community and as a community we can work to keep it a safe and fun way to communicate with our friends and family.