What is with Facebook continually trying to encroach on my privacy?

[next_to_normal]

So, after hearing about the latest privacy-violating feature that's been made opt-out rather than opt-in, I'm about ready to delete my Facebook account. WTF Internets?? Why is it so hard to understand that some of us might enjoy limited social networking without having our personal information automatically shared with every other site we use? Like that Google Buzz thing. That was horrifying.

I also saw this Evolution of Privacy on Facebook feature today, which is similarly disturbing. And even though the OP says, "I hope your takeaway from this infographic isn't 'I'm deleting my account;' rather, I hope it's 'I'm checking my privacy settings right now, and changing them to a level with which I'm comfortable,'" I can't see how making "OMFG I have to check my privacy settings RIGHT NOW" a typical response to policy changes is a GOOD thing. I don't want to feel threatened every time a website I use introduces a new feature. And I DON'T want to have to rush to the site to opt out in order to protect myself.

Don't touch my privacy, Internet. Or CJ will shove a motherboard SO FAR UP YOUR ASS.

Comments

[silverusagi]

Makes me glad I don't have a Facebook. I never quite figured out the Google Buzz thing, except that I never gave them any details when I signed up, never created a profile, and don't have any contacts, so I'm safe, LOL.

[dragonflylady77.livejournal.com]

Is that Google Buzz automatic? *goes and disables the stupid thing*

Yes that thing on FB is seriously pissing me off. I've put all my settings to Friends Only already and when that Privacy thing was going around last week I went to check my Privacy Settings. It was already unticked, not sure if it was because it came that was or because I'd already unchecked it...

I reckon you need to sic CJ on them!!

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

So far, all I've done is make sure I check my settings fairly often and keep them as I want them. I enjoy the way I can keep in touch with family and friends, and the way I've been able to reconnect with people I'd lost track of. I hope it isn't going to get to the point where I feel I have to delete my account to keep my privacy. I think, in spite of all the screaming that will take place from people who still believe there is such a thing as a free lunch, it will eventually go to paid accounts and/or advertising. They aren't, after all, philanthropists. I'm sure the goal is to make a profit - which is not evil in and of itself. Only exploiting your customers makes it evil.

[beloved-77.livejournal.com]

Right there with you on the FB privacy. I never even used my account and then, all of a sudden, I started getting friend requests from tons of people. Turns out that FB had changed a privacy setting and didn't alert anybody. I've tried getting into it, but I still f-ing hate FB.

:runs off to check privacy settings:

[ravenholdt.livejournal.com]

YES!
ALL of that!