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Facebook published users' private data

by on17 July 2008

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Ooopps


Facebook accidentally published the personal information of its users leaving many open to ID theft, according to IT security specialist Sophos.

Sophos consultant Graham Cluley said that a public beta test left birth date information visible - even if the member had requested it be kept confidential. He said he was shocked to see people's full date of birth revealed, even though he knew they had their privacy set up correctly to supposedly hide the information. 

We guess he knew that because his age was published and he is a wii bit sensitive about it. Cluley said it was essential that users of social networks should have confidence that their privacy will be protected - and it's especially important with information like your date of birth, which can be a golden nugget for a committed identity thief.

Facebook has since fixed it and no one will know how old Graham is ever again.
Last modified on 17 July 2008
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