It’s already been a dramatic year for the Internet, and it doesn’t look to be getting any easier for the average user.
Several popular websites have announced they will change privacy policies in the coming months, allowing for easier data management and more personalized content.
That means these websites will be collecting more information from users, and there are few legal limitations on what they can do with it. Users will have to be more careful with what they make available, and since few people read the privacy policies anyway, here is a handy guide for the concerned.
Facebook
Users have access to privacy options, limiting who can post on their walls and who can view the content they post. The new Timeline feature also allows users to remove past content they don’t want people to see. External websites that ask users to log in with Facebook and internal Facebook applications are often used to target advertisements and collect personal data.
Google
Google+ Social Search shows users relevant results from their Google+ circles when searching through Google. In theory, nothing that was previously private will become public, but users should be aware that things previously forgotten could be dredged back up.
Amazon
Amazon uses information from previously viewed and purchased items to notify customers about deals that may interest them. In addition, it collects information about purchases and provides this to “co-branded” companies like Macy’s to create targeted advertising. As always, users should be wary of scams and check the feedback on sellers’ profiles before purchasing. Using a PayPal account instead of paying direct with a credit card can help prevent identity theft.
Twitter
 Like most social networking services, Twitter gathers data from users to create targeted advertising. Twitter collects information about any links, videos and hashtags posted in a tweet, as well as observing which ads users view and click through. Tweets can be kept private, allowing only a user’s followers to view them.
 
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Contact Gordon Brillon at [email protected].