This BBC video describes the situation of identity theft by the social networks we create via Facebook. As we all know Facebook is filled with many applications to keep in touch, pass the time or procrastinate with; but something we probably never think about is the chance of becoming a victim of identity theft by simply using an application, or if 1 of our hundreds of friends use an application. The BBC was able to create an application that would steal users information in their profile and the information from their friends profiles. The BBC has looked into Facebook’s user agreement and it states that such actions could occur and that their team is doing everything possible to remove such applications, but how long do such applications take to steal this information and how long will it be before Facebook’s tech team finds the app and puts an end to it?

This flaw gives people the opportunity to get information from people they would otherwise not be in contact with. They do not need to message or become the persons friend. All that is needed is to share a common friend and with the ease of adding friends you never know who you are connect to. This serve a prime example of the six degrees of separation. A direct path from node A to B is no longer necessary, but with a little ingenuity one can find an alternate path leading to the desired information.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7376738.stm

http://www.steve-jackson.net/six_degrees/index.html