Facebook tightens up application privacy

Facebook has launched a new privacy feature requiring outside applications to inform users exactly what information they will be using. Previously, third-party applications using Facebook needed to ask users if they could access non-public profile information. However, they didn't need to specifically tell users what information they'd be using. Now they will need to both tell users what data they'll be using, and ask users if they can use it.

We think this a good thing. You'd be surprised how data posted "privately" on Facebook can leak out to the rest of the world. As we've warned before, make sure you check your Facebook privacy settings.  There are a number of sites out there acting as "virtual private detectives", allowing whoever wants to know about you to type in your name and find out all sorts of information you'd probably prefer they didn't.  These sites troll the web for public data, and Facebook is a prime source of juicy information for them, especially if you don't have your privacy settings tightened down.

Make sure you carefully guard your information, on Facebook and elsewhere.  It's also a good idea to invest in an identity theft protection service like Trusted ID.  That way you'll be protected in case some critical information does make it's way out into the electronic stratosphere.

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