In the world of social networking, Facebook is undeniably the most popular platform for connecting with friends and family. The amount of information put up by individuals on the website is extensive – ranging from e-mail addresses to self portraits and locations of studying and working institutions. Hence it is in the best interests of society that the website be professional with protecting the privacy of its users.
However, a recent discovery by Wall Street Journal showed that information contained on the website was being sent by third party applications to external companies who create databases of people and trace them online (ABC News, 2010).
This unnerving bit of news brings up the question of just what the Facebook team is doing to protect the well-being of its users. The recently passed Malaysian Personal Data and Protection Act 2010 appears to be one way in which the Malaysian government aims to provide a safeguard to “regulate the processing of personal data” (Chia & Woo, 2010). Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, the Information, Communication, Culture and Arts Minister, says that the bill aims to protect personal information such as religious affiliation, health and physical appearance (The Star Online, 2010).
However, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are not included in the act as they are not commercial transactions (Foong, 2010). Because the government does not regulate these sites, it is impossible for them to control the data being presented there. Conversely, the Act does help when it comes to companies who want to use their clients’ personal information, as it requires their consent.
In order to protect the privacy of their users social networking sites should provide a walkthrough for its users and guide them in a step by step manner through their privacy options. A straightforward walkthrough which should be taken by all users should be done as it was found that most Facebook users are not aware of their privacy options.
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References
ABC News 2010, ‘Facebook admits privacy breach’, 19 October, viewed 11 November 2010, http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/19/3042594.htm.
Chia, B & Woo, WK 2010, Introduction to the Malaysian Personal Data and Protection Act 2010, Wong & Partners, viewed 11 November 2010, http://www.worldwideerc.org/gov-relations/global-tax-legal/Employment%20Law/Introduction%20to%20the%20Malaysian%20Personal%20Data%20Protection%20Act%202010.html.
Foong, CL 2010, ‘Personal data and the law’, Star 14 November, viewed 11 November, http://xes.cx/?p=4698.
Star Online 2010, ‘Parliament: Personal Data Protection Bill passed’, 5 April, viewed 11 November 2010, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/5/nation/20100405210518&sec=nation.
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