Facebook: Maybe more sinister than you think

Dear Clemson,

Facebook. It used to be an actual book, handed out by your college, with pictures of fellow incoming freshman. Now, it’s the social networking site that’s sitting right behind MySpace in the internet popularity contest. And while you may not be a member, 80% of students at Facebook-recognized college campuses are.

What are you missing out on? A great procrastination tool, a good reason (i.e. your hot lab partner’s recommendation) to buy Sufjan Steven’s latest album, and a huge invasion of your privacy.

Surprise, surprise?

Though most know that untold thousands are browsing through personal profiles and photos on the Facebook, many aren’t aware of its privacy policy and conspiracy theory-laced background.

Go ahead - take a gander at the privacy policy. You’ll find a few gems:

* “We may share your information with third parties, including responsible companies with which we have a relationship.”
* “We may share account or other information when we believe it is necessary to comply with law or to protect our interests or property. This may include sharing information with other companies, lawyers, agents or government agencies.”
* “Facebook also collects information about you from other sources, such as newspapers and instant messaging services. This information is gathered regardless of your use of the Web Site.”

The third bullet-point speaks for itself, but as for the first? Here are two companies to get you all shifty-eyed.

* VanguardPAC board member Peter Thiel gave venture capital to the Facebook to the tune of a cool $500,000. VanguardPAC just happens to be one of the country’s foremost radical conservative groups. Take a look at their website.
* The Accel Group. Members of its board previously served with In-Q-Tel, BBN Technologies and DARPA. In-Q-Tel is a venture capital firm formed by the CIA. BBN Technologies and DARPA are the groups responsible for creating the internet. And lastly, for good measure, consider the Informational Awareness Office – a now-defunct DARPA project whose mission was vast information gathering. Of everyone.

Information gathering? Facebook wouldn’t have personal information on millions of US citizens, now, would it? Theories aside, Facebook is a dangerous entity. Take a look at what’s happening nationwide.

* One lucky Oklahoma student posted an unsavory comment about President Bush had a friendly Secret Service visit.
* Two Fisher College students, one a Student Government President, let the Facebook world know how ticked they were at a campus police officer. In response to their criticism, the school expelled both.
* Toking on campus at Cal? You’ll be officially disciplined if a picture shows up on Facebook.
* Rush the field after a big win? More than fifty were nabbed with Facebook-based identification at Penn State.

My advice. Let your fellow Tigers know that you enjoy greenery, Gin n’ Tonics & Jack Johnson - when you’re sitting on a balcony together. Just don’t let Big Brother find out about it on the Facebook.

Sincerely, G. Orwell.