Facebook...Mark Zuckerberg & Social Network crosses privacy line! Again!

After catching a preview of the upcoming feature film "The Social Network" - which is the tawdry tale about the unscrupulous young entrepreneur who allegedly stole the idea for "Facebook" from his best friend in College - I've been pretty much decided that the folks were run the social hub are true scumbags.

For starters, the brass at the company - which is finally earning a profit hand-over-fist after many lean years (despite the networking giant's popularity) - don't give a damn about a member's right to privacy.

Indeed, in recent years, Facebook appears tobe the only company on the Internet facing widespread criticism on the issue.

Is the owner of Facebook (Mark Zuckerberg) really that clueless?

Or, does he just feign ignorance, in a deceitful effort to push the privacy limits?

What is obvious to most in respect to individual rights, fails to utter up a blip on the radar at Facebook headquarters.

In spite of continued protests - and bad press - Zuckerberg continues to slap  members in the face.

Recently, I have been hot under-the-collar over so-called security measures they implemented to ensure that individuals who check in from Wi-Fi hot spots around the Nation when they are on vacation or a business trip out-of-town - are "who" they allege they are with a right to access their account.

For instance, I encountered a lot of hooey when I attempted to log on from a cafe in San Francisco, in spite of the fact I inputted my correct ID and password.

Once the data was  keyed in, an unexpected pop-up dialogue informed me that since I was checking in from a location which was not my normal log-in site, they required that I identify "friends" circled in photographs "lifted" from my Facebook page.

As I noted in my previous post, Facebook proceeded to select images of "friends" of "friends" who I was not familiar with by "sight".

How was I expected to name a total stranger I never met before?

Needless to say, they were obviously embarrassed by the goof  - because they proceeded to not only ignore my e-mail communications - but the post as well.

Post: 08/18/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/08/facebookstupid-security-measures.html

However, at this juncture, the fishing expedition shifted into a more sinister mode.

When I attempted to log in today, for instance, Facebook offered up two options to verify my identity.

I could continue the process of photo identification (a waste of  valuable time) or input a code they would provide by e-mail or telephone call.

Say what?

Since I did not provide Facebook with any current land-line telephone number, my antennae suddenly went up.

Did the staff think that I wanted to be bothered on my personal phone line with such nonsense?

Needless to say, their latest attempt to intrude - and secure confidential contact information by deceitful surreptitious means - is highly suspect.

Why didn't they try to reach me by normal means - by e-mail communication - for instance?

It's never failed before!

Clearly, this was a diabolical ploy to obtain my private telephone number, so they could turn around and pass it out to - pushy advertisers, snake-oil salesmen, singles club floggers  - you name it.

Does Facebook honestly think that I have nothing better to do than answer telephone calls from  slimy bozos like that throughout the day and long into the night after the dishes from the supper hour have been stowed away?

Go fly a kite, Zucker!

a**hole!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Internet Service Providers...seek to regulate privacy policies! No Government interference, please!

Although Internet Service providers like - AT&T, Time Warner, and Verizon - are in accord with the idea of implementing industry-wide guidelines to protect privacy online, the corporate giants want to self-regulate without Government interference.

At a hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee - representatives from all of the "Big 3" - were on hand to testify.

Tom Tauke, an executive VP for Verizon, for instance, argued that service providers ought to be able to go forward with self-regulation in mind.

However, critics say that consumer privacy may be at risk.

For this reason, Charter Communications Inc. was forced to halt plans to track consumers on the Internet for a targeted ad campaign, after Connecticut's top Legal Eagle said the intrusive practice might be in violation of applicable law.

Senator Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.) stressed the need for protecting consumers' rights in respect to privacy issues.

The politician argued that, if necessary, legislation should be written to ensure there are no violations in the future.

Some are downright skeptical about the "Big 3's" assurances that self-regulation would not pose a threat and that they would take care to guard the privacy of its customers.

One non-profit organization - Public Knowledge - made no bones about it.

Without legislation to date - gaps in the law have allowed the privacy of some Internet users to fall between the cracks - reps for the consumer watch dog asserted.

Although the majors in the provider-service arena deny that their companies are delivering up ads based on web-browsing habits, skeptics in the industry are pointing accusing fingers.

I, for one, support legislation to ensure there are laws in place to support the privacy rights of the individual.

God forbid, the "Big 3" should unite, and become "One".

Imagine their evil Global reach then!

Starbucks...scary customer interrupts morning tea!

If you're like me, you mingle among the regular folks as you do your errands throughout the day.

Generally, when I cross paths with other pedestrians, store clerks, cashiers - the like - I try to be courteous.

But, on occasion, you happen across some wacko and there is bound to be a misunderstanding or two.

Like this morning, for instance.

Shortly after I slipped into Starbucks for my morning cup of tea, a strange man called out my name so loud, the other patrons were inclined to turn his way.

As I attempted to stroll to a table to avoid the stranger, he proceeded to follow me!

And, when I sat down and tried to peruse my newspaper, he hovered above me and tried to engage in a conversation with little regard for my privacy.

At this juncture, I was forced to inform him I wasn't interested in his company.

Instead of turning away, he proceeded to engage in a number of strange head games; in fact, he started to act like we were old friends, or something.

Egads!

So, I found myself quoting a line oft used by the wise and glamorous old-time film star Greta Garbo,

"I just want to be left alone"

It did the trick.

Thank you, Greta! Now I understand.

Sometimes a direct approach is the best course of action to follow.

Lord Byron once said,
"What is fame? The advantage of being known by people of whom you yourself know nothing, and for whom you care as little."