safe is your facebook profile? privacy issues of online social networks

Online social networking sites have become one of the greatest social technological phenomenon’s of the 21st century. However, most users are unaware of the many privacy issues that come with having a profile page on a social networking site. By placing personal information on the world wide web users make themselves vulnerable to online predators, selling of their information to third parties and in some instances, websites owning everything an individual places on their profile page or friend’s page, including photos. The problem is intensified because of the fact that communicating online via social networking sites has become not only popular but fashionable and for many young people, necessary to maintain their social status among friends. Because of this, young people are especially at risk of exposing themselves when sites are joined without any thought as to what may happen to personal information, photos and postings that are entered or placed on their or their friend’s profile pages. This paper looks at privacy issues of online social networking sites from aroun