1. Why does the Internet create so many privacy issues?
2. Why did Facebook Places have so many people concerned about privacy?

Privacy in a digital era is a concern for all people and all organizations. With technology constantly advancing, it is difficult for regulators to keep up with the changes. This leaves holes in the regulatory framework and creates opportunities for cybercriminals to take advantage of unwitting victims.

Compounding the problem is the slow eroding of the lines between public and private spheres. Online social networking sites help people to stay connected, but it also has made users (especially younger users) feel increasingly comfortable with the idea of posting private information on the Internet. Many people have blogs now, post their every move on Twitter, and keep detailed profiles on Facebook and other social networking sites. Many users do not realize the risks involved in posting private information. From receiving unsolicited sales calls to identity theft, privacy issues on the Internet are serious and growing.

Adding fuel to the fire are cutting-edge online businesses like Facebook. Facebook revealed a new feature in late 2010 called Facebook Places that allowed users to input where they were at any given time. The feature was available through the iPhone, but iPhone subscribers could tag their friends (who may not have iPhones) and identify where they were located too. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was concerned about the ramifications of this product, further citing that it was difficult to opt out of using it if your friends sought to tag you and your location. The ACLU was also concerned about the likelihood that third parties would be able to access the Places information available through Facebook. If your friend had tagged you, the other apps that he or she had in their iPhone might be able to access the information as well.

Facebook assured concerned consumers that its security measures were of the highest standard, and that there were few opportunities for Places to be misused by third parties. Facebook suffered a series of problems and criticisms regarding its privacy settings in 2010 and has taken many steps to simplify them. Facebook claimed that its only aim in releasing Places was to allow people to connect in a new, fun, social way. Nevertheless, critics say that Facebook has not done enough. Places was discontinued the next year. However, Facebook’s privacy mishaps were not over. The Federal Trade Commission recently mandated that Facebook have annual privacy audits performed for the next 20 years after it was ruled that Facebook had misled users about some of the ways it collects information as well as making some information public that users thought would remain private.

 While many young people may think nothing of divulging personal information while online, security experts and others are worried about privacy on Facebook. Location-based tools let users know where you are via online social networking sites. It also lets the world know when you are not home. Paris Hilton and other celebrities were robbed repeatedly in late 2009. Once apprehended, the thieves admitted that they were able to track when the celebrities were out of their homes through tweets. When Hilton tweeted that she was out at a party or out on vacation, the thieves knew that they had a window of opportunity during which they could break into her home.