Facebook tagging under scrutiny

Controversy is never far away for Facebook. Concerns were widespread when it introduced new facial recognition software to its 500 million users in June. Although users can opt out of automatic tagging, German officials have now suggested the feature may infringe privacy laws. The feature not only allows Facebook to scan and tag photos, but also store all photos added to the site. Data Protection officers have been in contact with the social networking site to demand that it removes the software for all German users. Commenting on the software, German Regulator Johannes Caspar suggested that the right to anonymity was under threat. "If the data were to get into the wrong hands, then someone with a picture taken on a mobile phone could use biometrics to compare the pictures and make an identification."

While the issue of online data security is not new, this latest investigation has hit the headlines in the very same week that security company McAfee has unveiled a 14 page report documenting the cyber attacks that it has uncovered since 2006. The study claims that during the last six years 72 targets have been identified, including a large number of Governments, law enforcement agencies and global companies. Fierce competition for information, whether military, security or corporate, is thought to be the main driver for the increase in the number and severity of online security breaches.

Against this environment, it is no wonder that the subject of how, where and why personal information is stored remains emotive. If your organisation is one of the millions that now stores data online regarding clients, customers or colleagues, make sure you know the facts. Information and advice about how to store data responsible is readily available from the Information Commissioner's Office. Alternatively, to ensure your website and data management system complies with the latest legislation, contact a member of the MSO.net team.

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