A series of discreet changes to Facebook's terms of use policy has users concerned about the future of their privacy.
Under the latest modifications, the social networking site now holds the rights to all information posted by members, even after they delete their accounts. Prior to the change, Facebook had a license to distribute users' data as it saw fit, but forfeited the right once the individual left the site.
Fortunately Facebook does not plan on selling members phone numbers' or email addresses but rather will use the information internally. What this means for the millions of frenzied Facebook followers is that the company can legally use their pictures and data for advertising featured on the site.
The Editorial Board can't help but wonder about the implications of Facebook's additions to its terms of use policy.
Does this mean we should expect to see shirtless photos of that hunk from chemistry class hawking Snuggies on the right side of our screens?
If anything, this latest hit to our privacy should serve as a wake-up call for our generally lax approach toward sharing information on the Internet available for the whole world to see.
We aren't suggesting you remove your account or erase that line about your affinity for the movie "Funny Games." The damage is done. If Facebook wants to sell an already-deleted photo of you drunkenly gorging yourself on Five Star's cinnamon rolls, there's nothing stopping them.
Granted, Facebook's current terms of use policy may not be intended to raise capital through the sale of member's data, but temptation to do so is only a poor financial forecast away.
