At DevelopmentNow, there”s a reason we thrive on “making the Web social”—we believe that social media is a key application of the Web. These networks generate value for users by offering ways to connect and share with one another, as well as value for site operators by providing information about such connections that can be used to produce well-targeted ads. Users provide data, operators provide tools, and the result is satisfaction for both parties.
But what happens when users want their data back?
News of Facebook”s privacy problems has become a matter of widespread anxiety this year, not the least of which concerns what happens when people try to sever ties with the mega-network. As former users discovered, to their consternation, one can only “request” to delete one”s own account, and even after that, Facebook may retain the account data for weeks after the request is submitted. Why? That data is highly valuable to Facebook and its shareholders; it allows them to run a very profitable advertising engine that rivals Google’s Adwords. But will the backlash over shifting principles cost Facebook the newly attained and coveted ranking as most-visited site on the Web?
The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a consistent advocate for privacy, best online casino recently offered up a “Bill of Privacy Rights” on behalf of the very users that make social networks successful. It”s not a long record–it comprises just the right to know how your sensitive data is used, the right to control its disclosure to third parties, and the right to reclaim that data should you depart. Those, however, buy accutane online with paypal are just words, and would mean little if not for the fact that Facebook”s competitors adhere to them. Flickr”s public API lets users remove every bit of information they make public, and Twitter offers similar functionality. (Google Buzz failed spectacularly—and in precisely this arena.) If the beloved Facebook doesn’t get on board with the movement to adopt common and unambiguous privacy controls, the Internet giant may lose its users to social networks that will support users’ rights.
One of our most popular platforms for social network development is SocialEngine, which features simple, powerful privacy controls and true account deletion right out of the box. We”re eagerly anticipating the release of version 4 of their software, which promises sweeping changes—and (we hope!) a revamped API that will empower users even more (and give us some cool new toys!).
As a development partner, we always bear in mind that social sites only retain value as long as both operators and users are satisfied. That”s not so hard to accomplish when you value your clients, their needs and, of course, the essential privacy of users on the Internet.
