Social Media Privacy Concerns You Should Be Aware Of

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Companies and individuals are using social media and social media apps like never before. Public networks are employed to drive revenues and build brand, while private social media is used to enhance member and internal engagement. History and use of user data tell us that every user must pay attention and understand social media privacy to ensure that his valuable personal information is kept safe from prying eyes. Here are some of the key privacy concerns you must be aware of:


1. Social media mergers


As competition grows, smaller social networks will find it difficult to survive and weak players will likely be taken over by the big boys. Struggling startups also will find solace in the arms of the bigger players. When a social media company is taken over, it surrenders all its users’ data to the acquirer. When that happens, the user automatically has to accept the acquirer’s privacy policy or close his account. So, the first thing to check when your existing network is taken over is whether the acquirer’s privacy policy is user-friendly and capable of safeguarding your data.

Additional Readings: 5 Reasons Your Class Groups Needs Online Privacy


2. Unified Log-In Systems


Single access log-in systems are a huge hit these days. People can login using their Facebook, Yahoo and other handles without having to register on sites (that allow such log-ins). Unified log-in systems are popular with users but can cause privacy problems. Data keeps getting shared and many websites are able to track the user’s actions and activities. This could cause a problem.


3. Security Legislation


The government may get proactive on privacy concerns and pass legislation that places some curbs on data usage by social networks. This legislation may be tabled by the end of 2013 or shortly thereafter. Till this happens, social networks may continue to use data to their own advantage, intentionally or unintentionally.


4. Unauthorized Marketing


Can a company use or sell its users’ data to others? Social networking companies derive revenues from advertising and using members’ databases. The number of users on social networks is increasing and therefore networks will continue to try out all revenue-generating tactics. There is a fine line between genuine marketing and butting into privacy and therefore users must be careful about how their personal information is being used.

Additional Readings:  Facebook hit with $15B Class-Action Suit Over User Privacy


5. Location targeting


Social networks deploy location tracking software to track their users’ activities and such targeting adds fuel to the fire. User’s private lives and daily activities are revealed and this could expose users to new and unknown risks – if the location tracking information is misused.



These are the current social media privacy concerns that every user is exposed to. Users typically scroll through privacy policies without reading them carefully, which is a wrong thing to do. They should read the policy and join the network only if they are convinced that their privacy will not be compromised. Remember, privacy risks far outweigh the advantages and happiness of sharing information on social sites.