Well, sort of. Apps = fine, so long as you trust that the app-writer has secured their code.
FB does go 'You are allowing this application access to yr personal info' when you fire one up for the first time, so it's not as if you're not warned. Although that's more or less meaningless because most people click away on dialog boxes like rats in Skinner boxes while shouting 'Stupid computer!'
Me, I'm a professional paranoid unix curmugeon and generally don't trust app-developers.
I block all apps from access, i.e. I believe the API is blocked from my info altogether. Do you know if that also blocks apps run by my friends from accessing my info?
It's interesting really. I wonder how much damage can be done with facebook apps. Given the ability for them to post to other people could you get one going "viral"? They have a central "stop" point though so Facebook themselves have reasonable control.
In the end, running an app on facebook is much safer than running an app on, say, your computer surely?
Probably, but then most sensible people don't random strange applications on thier PC either (or rather they shouldn't). Plus at least on your PC you might have anti-virus and/or anti-malware type things to help keep you safe.
Me, I just block all FB apps. It meant I had to give up the 'where I've been' map thingy, but I think I'll live. As for the rest, I'm positively happy that I can't have snowballs and other crap sent at me.
most sensible people don't random strange applications on thier PC either (or rather they shouldn't)
Hmm... I think the second not the first is my experience. Then again, I'm pretty cavalier about the whole thing too -- what's the worst that could happen -- it'll email my bank account passwords to random Nigerians, insult everyone in my address book and then delete my data. Life's too short to worry about this so what the hell, install "dodgylooking.exe" and hope.
Me, I just block all FB apps.
I went that step further by not signing up for facebook. Like Windows Vista I'm thinking "i'll skip this one and wait for the next 'must have' social network".
Note the use of the word 'sensible' in my original statement. I of course probably should have acknowledged that this is a pretty small minority (especially on FB I suspect). :o)
I use FB a bit, mostly for the photo sharing, but its not a lot of use for much else.
Comments 26
Reply
Reply
Reply
Ah well. I do enjoy LivingSocial...
Reply
FB does go 'You are allowing this application access to yr personal info' when you fire one up for the first time, so it's not as if you're not warned. Although that's more or less meaningless because most people click away on dialog boxes like rats in Skinner boxes while shouting 'Stupid computer!'
Me, I'm a professional paranoid unix curmugeon and generally don't trust app-developers.
Reply
Or, you trust that the app-writer isn't evil.
Hence, ditto the PPUC.
(It doesn't matter how many times you tell people, they still install "what fart are you?" on FarceCock.)
Reply
Reply
In the end, running an app on facebook is much safer than running an app on, say, your computer surely?
Reply
Me, I just block all FB apps. It meant I had to give up the 'where I've been' map thingy, but I think I'll live. As for the rest, I'm positively happy that I can't have snowballs and other crap sent at me.
Reply
Hmm... I think the second not the first is my experience. Then again, I'm pretty cavalier about the whole thing too -- what's the worst that could happen -- it'll email my bank account passwords to random Nigerians, insult everyone in my address book and then delete my data. Life's too short to worry about this so what the hell, install "dodgylooking.exe" and hope.
Me, I just block all FB apps.
I went that step further by not signing up for facebook. Like Windows Vista I'm thinking "i'll skip this one and wait for the next 'must have' social network".
Reply
I use FB a bit, mostly for the photo sharing, but its not a lot of use for much else.
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment