Reputation Management, Internet Privacy, and Social Media Quick Hits

Class-Action Lawsuit Claims Small Business Owners are Extorted by Yelp

The consumer review website Yelp is facing a class-action lawsuit over the company’s allegedly extortionary ad sales tactics. According to reports from small business owners, Yelp sales representatives would contact them whenever their business received a negative review asking if they wanted to purchase premium ads. Allegedly, the sales reps implied that if small business owners did purchase advertising, the negative review would disappear. Those who didn’t purchase advertising would see the review remain, even if it were proven to be false or defamatory.

Social Networking + Browser Info = Easy Attacks for Cybercriminals

According to Ars Technica, a new report from a team of academic experts in the field of computer security reveals that through a combination of publicly available information on social networking websites and a hijacked broswer account, it is possible for cybercriminals to develop sophisticated and highly personalized phishing schemes.

White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen Gets a Twitter Account, Sports World Cringes

Famously hot-headed baseball manager Ozzie Guillen of the Chicago White Sox has established a Twitter account. Given his history of speaking his mind, even when he probably should keep his thoughts to himself, has made baseball reporters across the country eager to follow along with his tweets as they wait for his eventual public meltdown.

British Politicians Anxious Over Unauthorized Tweets

Some members of parliament in the United Kingdom claim that they have had their Twitter accounts hijacked. Considering how much value politicians place in connecting directly with their constituents, the prospect of someone taking over their Twitter accounts maliciously is quite terrifying.

Facebook Updates Finally Integrated Into Google Real Time Search

As announced all the way back in December, Google has finally begun integrating public Facebook updates into real time search. It is important to note that the information appearing in real time search is limited to fan page updates made by fan page administrators.