MySpace To Sell User Data 199
Posted
by
CmdrTaco
from the what-you're-surprised dept.
from the what-you're-surprised dept.
OnlyJedi writes "Hot on the news of Netflix canceling its latest contest over privacy concerns, news has spread that MySpace is going in the opposite direction. Apparently, the one-time leading social network is now selling user data to third party collection firms. From the article, the data that InfoChimps has listed includes 'user playlists, mood updates, mobile updates, photos, vents, reviews, blog posts, names and zipcodes.' InfoChimps is a reseller that deals with individuals and groups, from academic researchers to marketers and industry analysts. So if you're worried about your data on MySpace being sold off to anybody with a few hundred dollars, now's the time to delete that little-used account."
Typical Murdoch (Score:3, Informative)
Since it's owned by News Corporation, it'd be fair to say that it draws from the Murdoch family's deep well of moral squalor. So selling user data to the highest bidder, in addition to attacking Murdoch's ideological enemies [wikipedia.org], is being just true to form for these people.
I can't say I'm surprised.
Re:So you think its really that easy? (Score:5, Informative)
This will correct the issue of current viewable information. Next you need to lock down your profile with as much security as possible, disable messages, turn on approvals for anything, lock it down like Fort Knox so it stays static as long as possible.
Now comes the part you have no control over. You need to let the account sit for months if not years. Over time they (Myspace or Facebook) will need to purge older backups and can only keep current relevant information. So now the older backups are over-written and being written into the system is your current BS profile, but this can take months to years to do and that depends on how much Myspace/Facebook or any social site is willing to retain.
Whatever you do, don't just delete the account or use their automated deletion system cause that's not really doing the job you want. That most likely puts it into a special repository for recoveries in case you want to come back.
Re:Deleting does no good (Score:3, Informative)
>They already have your data and you already agreed to allow them to redistribute it, just because you delete your account doesn't mean they have to delete your data.
Well, the cancellation page says:
"WARNING: Cancelling your MySpace account will permanently remove all of your profile information from MySpace, including your photos, comments, blog entries, videos, and your personal network of friends. This information cannot be restored. You may re-register your current email address after cancelling, but you will need to rebuild your personal network from scratch. "
Which seems to suggest that they will delete your data - assuming you're prepared to believe anything spewing from the many fetid mouths of the Murdochian Empire.
Re:So you think its really that easy? (Score:2, Informative)
The only way I can think of removing your information is to edit your profile with random information that makes sense but is generic. Replace all critical information such as addresses or phone numbers with fake addresses. Remove all photos and just have a few generic stock photos. The idea is to make the account look legit but with no information that can be used against you. This will correct the issue of current viewable information. Next you need to lock down your profile with as much security as possible, disable messages, turn on approvals for anything, lock it down like Fort Knox so it stays static as long as possible. Now comes the part you have no control over. You need to let the account sit for months if not years. Over time they (Myspace or Facebook) will need to purge older backups and can only keep current relevant information. So now the older backups are over-written and being written into the system is your current BS profile, but this can take months to years to do and that depends on how much Myspace/Facebook or any social site is willing to retain. Whatever you do, don't just delete the account or use their automated deletion system cause that's not really doing the job you want. That most likely puts it into a special repository for recoveries in case you want to come back.
The only way I can think of removing your information is to edit your profile with random information that makes sense but is generic. Replace all critical information such as addresses or phone numbers with fake addresses. Remove all photos and just have a few generic stock photos. The idea is to make the account look legit but with no information that can be used against you. This will correct the issue of current viewable information. Next you need to lock down your profile with as much security as possible, disable messages, turn on approvals for anything, lock it down like Fort Knox so it stays static as long as possible. Now comes the part you have no control over. You need to let the account sit for months if not years. Over time they (Myspace or Facebook) will need to purge older backups and can only keep current relevant information. So now the older backups are over-written and being written into the system is your current BS profile, but this can take months to years to do and that depends on how much Myspace/Facebook or any social site is willing to retain. Whatever you do, don't just delete the account or use their automated deletion system cause that's not really doing the job you want. That most likely puts it into a special repository for recoveries in case you want to come back.
A good idea, but it may not be necessary to wait. Just change the user info and cancel the account. A company selling a list of user data, wont try to figure out which is the accurate information, they will just use the most recent. Based on some direct mail marketing experience years ago, a list a year old is expected to have incorrect addresses for approximately 10% to 20%.. Many companies wont buy a list older than 90 or 180 days.
Re:So you think its really that easy? (Score:5, Informative)
There is nothing you can do to ensure that data you've already entered is gone. Even if you delete photos and change the info, there's no guarantee that the previous info is not stored. That being said, I deleted my account when I saw this earlier this morning on another site. When they asked me why I was deleting the account, I checked "Privacy concerns." In the comments section, I pasted a quote from the article noting what they were selling and followed it up with a single word: Bye. If enough people do this, Facebook will get the message that users are unhappy with this decision, even if deleting the account doesn't protect already-entered data.
Re:So you think its really that easy? (Score:3, Informative)
You mean MySpace, right? I mean, Facebook is just about as trustworthy as MySpace or a 5-year-old child at keeping your "secret" data "secret", but at least get your evil super-villain correct.
Also, if you just delete the account, they have your most recent information available for sale. Be sure to alter the information and let the new information age a bit before deleting it.
Re:So you think its really that easy? (Score:2, Informative)
I drive a bunch of kids to school. They all have two accounts, one real and one fake. -learn from them...
This is moderately effective against snooping parents and teachers, but its moot to the hosting company, in fact they probably like it as they get to sell two 'users' data for the price of one
The only safe options are:-
For you schoolkids option 2. could be viable. There Apprear [vivalogo.com] to be a number of free options. OTOH I could see a whole pit of trouble for the admin if things go sour.
Re:So you think its really that easy? (Score:2, Informative)
Re:It is the death sigh... (Score:1, Informative)
...I went to Microcenter (AMAZING STORE! Better than Newegg!) and bought something. They already had my information and informed me that they bought it from Circuit City
From the Microcenter website:
[Welcome] Customers of the Former Circuit City!
On August 28, 2009, Micro Center acquired the POSTAL mailing list of Circuit City Stores. Micro Center is a nationwide retailer and website of 30,000 technology-related items and exciting product offers. We advertise by direct mail, and would greatly value having you as a customer.
This is notice to you that we are amending the Circuit City privacy policy as described in our Privacy Policy If you prefer not to be covered under this Privacy Policy and receive postal mailings from us or our partners, please visit our Preference Center and let us know.