Wednesday 22 May 2013

How private is Facebook?

This post was written by Kelsey Beninger of NatCen Social Research and was first published on the organisation's blog.


Social media is constantly evolving. It’s not surprising that even the most diligent social networkers struggle to keep abreast of how changes affect the information they share. This is particularly true of Facebook. I’ve heard colleagues and friends say, ‘at least what you write on Facebook is private - only your friends can see it.’

A Northern Irish High Court disagrees.

In a recent case, the court allowed a document posted to the defendant’s Facebook account to be included as evidence despite demands by the defendant that it was confidential information. Information posted, even if meant only for friends and in a closed group, was considered to be done in full knowledge that those friends could forward the information at which point it enters the public domain. From here the principle of confidentiality has no application.

While this new case law is not legally binding in England it is quite persuasive. It raises a whole slew of ethical and methodological concerns already flagged in the field of social media research.

Social media represents an untapped wealth of opportunity for social researchers. But there’s a lack of understanding of privacy principles and confidentiality, which undermines informed consent. Academics and practitioners are hot on the trail of these debates, like the work of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media (CASM) and the Cardiff Online Social Media Observatory (COSMOS), and our own network of methodological and cross-discipline innovation, New Social Media, New Social Science.

Often what’s missing from this conversation is the views of users. How do they curate their digital lives? What do they understand about how their information is used and shared on the internet? What do they think about their information being used in social media research?

To better understand this, we’re launching an in depth study next month exploring what the public think about the use of their information from social media platforms for research. We will use the findings to help inform principles of best practice for researchers to make sure they act responsibly and in line with the views of the public when conducting online research.

Until then, think twice about how you use your social media accounts.

30 comments:

  1. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It actually used to be a enjoyment account it.
    Glance complex to far introduced agreeable from you! However, how can we keep up a correspondence?


    Visit my weblog; twitter followers free

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very quickly this site will be famous among all blog viewers, due to it's pleasant content

    My weblog :: buy twitter

    ReplyDelete
  3. Currently it sounds like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform out there right
    now. (from what I've read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

    Here is my webpage :: twitter

    ReplyDelete
  4. May I simply just say what a relief to discover somebody that actually knows what they
    are discussing on the web. You certainly know how to bring a problem to light
    and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of
    the story. It's surprising you're not more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.


    Also visit my site: twitter

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very good site you have here but I was wondering if you
    knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about here?
    I'd really like to be a part of online community where I can get advice from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Kudos!

    Review my website :: legal ecstasy []

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, as well as
    the content!

    Feel free to surf to my webpage :: bet angel

    ReplyDelete
  7. My brother suggested I might like this website.
    He used to be entirely right. This post actually made my day.
    You cann't imagine just how a lot time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

    Also visit my page: used trucks for sale []

    ReplyDelete
  8. What's Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I've discovered It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I'm hoping to give a contribution &
    assist other users like its aided me. Good job.

    My blog post; cheap vinyl flooring

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey! This post couldn't be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

    My web site; phen375 weight loss pill :: ::

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no data backup.
    Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

    my webpage; phen375 canada ()

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am genuinely happy to read this webpage
    posts which carries tons of useful information, thanks for providing these statistics.



    Also visit my web-site - ricambi auto multimarca []

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday.
    It's always useful to read content from other authors and practice something from their websites.

    Also visit my blog post volvo v70 for sale ()

    ReplyDelete
  13. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
    Very useful information specifically the last part
    :) I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

    My web-site bahrein gold coins sale

    ReplyDelete
  14. I get pleasure from, result in I found exactly what I used to be taking a look for.

    You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man.
    Have a nice day. Bye

    my webpage ... volvo v70 parts

    ReplyDelete
  15. Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if
    it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube
    sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83
    views. I know this is totally off topic but
    I had to share it with someone!

    My web blog :: gold market

    ReplyDelete
  16. My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different
    website and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so now i
    am following you. Look forward to looking into your web page repeatedly.


    Visit my web blog cheap dumbbells

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?

    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, let alone the content!


    Feel free to visit my web-site: hot rods

    ReplyDelete
  18. At this time I am ready to do my breakfast, once having my breakfast coming
    again to read more news.

    Feel free to visit my blog - gold coins sale government 2007

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello, the whole thing is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that's genuinely fine, keep up writing.

    Also visit my site ford rat rod

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm really impressed together with your writing talents and also with the format for your weblog. Is that this a paid topic or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it is rare to look a great blog like this one these days..

    Also visit my website ... free nightclub flyer templates

    ReplyDelete
  21. After checking out a few of the articles on your blog, I really
    appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I bookmarked it to my
    bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my
    website too and let me know what you think.


    Also visit my weblog; psd party flyer templates

    ReplyDelete
  22. It's the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I've read this publish and if I could I desire to suggest
    you some fascinating issues or advice. Maybe you can write
    next articles regarding this article. I want to read even
    more issues about it!

    my site; paleo diet breakfast

    ReplyDelete
  23. Howdy would you mind letting me know which webhost you're utilizing? I've loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say
    this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price?
    Thank you, I appreciate it!

    Also visit my web page pezzi di ricambio volkswagen

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi,
    This one is great and is really a good post. I think it will help me a lot in the related stuff and is very much useful for me. Very well written I appreciate & must say good job.

    Get more instagram followers

    ReplyDelete
  25. Recent research shows that lots of people are using social networking sites to boost up their business. Buy Soundcloud Plays

    ReplyDelete
  26. After checking out a few of the articles on your blog, I really appreciate your technique of writing a blog.Buy Facebook Fans

    ReplyDelete
  27. Just Sign up and enjoy MinkMe on your Phone Connect with Friends, Join Groups, Create Gossips, Share your Mood, and much more, stay connected.
    Click Here To Download Free App
    Take A Look @ Mink Display

    ReplyDelete
  28. Social media offers leading opportunities to online business and brands. Social Bookmarking Submission

    ReplyDelete

  29. Very interesting posts, it is really informative to read these posts Keep posting.
    Mobile app development company & digital marketing agency in India. Our Services - Mobile apps development | Android Apps | iOS(iPhone) Apps | Website Design | Digital Marketing | Social Media Optimization

    ReplyDelete