Mighty useful. Make no misakte, I appreciate it.

I was alerted to this issue and obtained the file on the first day.

There is no cause for alarm.

All the data was already voluntarily made public, though not everyone knew it.

Check update: Interestingly, I discovered that there are new privacy settings on Facebook and the default is "everyone" until you change it. I have now changed mine. Unfortunately, you cannot choose not to publish what they deem to be your "basic information" and not providing it makes no sense for the people you want to be able to find you.

Given this, I think it's Facebook's responsibility to protect our privacy within their site.

Benita Cegarra
BJC Europe Limited
Office: +44 (0)1285 643640
Website: www.bjc-europe.com

Hi

I think that you are being reasonably cautious and that it's justified.

After much hesitation, I eventually joined Facebook as I was getting invitations from my friends (old and new). Despite being careful about what I write and the information I have provided, I admit to feeling very uneasy about the site's attitude to privacy. I regularly check the different permissions to ensure that they have not been changed without my knowledge.

I also regularly google my name to see what information is out there - that's usually interesting and sometimes alarming, especially when I discovered my 2002 Electoral Roll entry available online despite having ticked the box which told the local council that I did not give them permission to publish it!

Are we as users being irresponsible? I think some are - I am regularly amazed at what details people publish on Facebook - but not all. However, I do think that all on-line communities have a responsibility to their members and not all of them take this responsibility seriously, particularly Facebook.

I'm now off to re-check my profile on Facebook!

Have a lovely Friday and a great weekend.

Benita Cegarra