Reputation Management, Internet Privacy, and Social Media Quick Hits

Facebook and Twitter Ready Geolocation Technologies

In social networking, it’s all about location, location, location. According to this article from PCWorld, both Facebook and Twitter are preparing to launch location-aware tools that will allow users to share their precise geolocation with friends. The widespread application of the technology comes in response to the rise of smartphones such as the iPhone, which allow for sophisticated web access from anywhere. Twitter is expected to premiere its geolocation features during this weekend’s SXSW conference.

While there have already been some privacy concerns over location-based social networking websites, they will only get bigger once Facebook and Twitter step into the game. It will be interesting to see what steps the company’s take to protect their users from sharing too much.

MySpace’s Last Hurrah?

Once upon a time, MySpace was the biggest and baddest social networking website in the land. Then, in only a few years, Facebook caught up, passed it, and never looked back. Since then, MySpace has dealt with numerous changes in management as it has fought to maintain relevant to users.

This article from the LA Times discusses the company’s most recent plan to reinvigorate itself in the social networking space by going back to what made it popular in the first place, entertainment. MySpace hopes that a new focus on entertainment media – including television, movies, and music – will help make the social networking site reclaim its spot as a must-visit destination on the web.

Does Google Have Too Much Power in D.C.?

If Google controls Internet advertising, and Internet advertising is crucial for politicians to win elections, does that mean that some politicians will have a conflict of interest when they deal with Google on privacy and consumer safety issues? That’s the question Jeremy Herb asks in a Boston Globe article which focuses on Google’s significant influence in Washington politics.

Parry Aftab Talks Online Reputation Management and Internet Safety

In a recent article for SmartPlanet, Christina Hernandez talks about the importance of online reputation management and Internet privacy with Internet safety expert and child advocate Parry Aftab. Aftab, whom we have talked about numerous times here at the ReputationDefender Blog, is involved in multiple Internet safety organizations including WiredSafety and WiredKids.

Honolulu Police Department Drops DUI Mugshots Program

The Honolulu police have decided to suspend a controversial program that displayed images of suspected drunk drivers once a week. The police department suspended the pilot program in order to determine its effectiveness, not because of any privacy concerns. When this program was first implemented, we discussed how it may cause unfair reputation damage to individuals who had yet to be found guilty of a crime. Hopefully, before the Honolulu police decide to reimplement the program, they will consider this reality.