The short answer is "yes, they are evil".
The long answer is certainly more convoluted and nuanced.
As to why the "word salad", I'm not sure why it works with a new post
and not a reply, but Facebook has altered the way it reads and stores
what you are typing. It used to be that Facebook (and Google) only
read/stored what was typed once you finished the post or reply. But
with the predictive (and instant search, and auto-correct) text
functionality, it's reading what you are typing AS you type it. Not
only that, but Facebook STORES what you type and delete. So, if you
are typing a response and backspace to fix something, change a word or
phrase, it will permanently store what you had typed.
This last part is specifically rather creepy and potentially a legal
issue. Let's say that you are typing something out in Facebook and
auto-correct puts in a rather bad word. You instantly go back to
change it before hitting the post button. That bad word is stored. If
it is a word that is one of the flagged words in their system, (such
as anything dealing with, uh, procreation-related activities), your
account is flagged. Depending on content, friends list, etc., your
stuff may be reported to the cyber-crimes enforcement agency for that
user's location.
And Facebook stores EVERYTHING for quite a period of time. I don't
know what their official line is, but I know from personal experience
that it's at least two years.
Apps?
Oh, yes. Really evil stuff. There is a popular "flashlight app" that
data mines your contacts database in your phone and that information
is sold to whoever wants to buy it.
AG
--
_________________________________________________________________
Options: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/listinfo/olympus
Archives: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/private/olympus/
Themed Olympus Photo Exhibition: http://www.tope.nl/
|