14 DAY TRIAL // Facebook is one of the top online social networks and since it has millions of users, it's pretty obvious it has to protect them somehow. Recently, the New York authorities investigated Facebook's security features by creating an account, posting as a young girl looking for friends. The investigators revealed that an impressive number of sex offenders contacted the girl in a very short period asking for pictures and private information which is a serious matter if we think we're talking about kids. Although everybody urged Facebook to improve its security, the technology ignored the messages and didn't issue any reply. Today, Facebook finally responded and sustained it will implement several warnings to teach the users to protect their privacy.
The messages will be displayed in several parts of the social networking website and will help the members reduce the danger while using Facebook. Moreover, Facebook promised it will respond to alerts in maximum 24 hours.
Facebook grows up a lot as many users are attracted by the social network website and its offering. Because Facebook targets a pretty young audience, many of the new members are way too naive and might be lured by malicious people to disclose their real identities and other private information.
"With more than 70 million active users on Facebook - many of whom won't have thought to change their privacy settings and to limit which other members can access their personal information - it's no surprise that sexual predators are using these sites as a way to lure innocent victims," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.
"Social networking sites provide these criminals with the anonymity they need to trick children and that's why it's so important that the companies themselves take steps to protect members and educate them about the dangers of joining networks and making friends with complete strangers. You wouldn't invite someone you don't know into your home and nor should you let them view your online profile."