Shadow profile | Solutional Webdesign Antwerpen

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Shadow profiles refer to a collection of user data, often gathered without explicit permission, by online platforms such as Facebook^[2] and Google^[3]. First publicly recognized in 2012 following a data breach on Facebook, shadow profiles were found to contain personal information of over six million users. These profiles, not created by the users themselves, were linked to public profiles by Facebook, combining data sets for a fuller picture of a user’s online behavior. This combined information was shared using Facebook’s DYI tool. However, the practice has raised significant concerns related to user privacy^[4] and security^[5] on the internet^[6]. Critics argue that it represents an intrusion into personal space, with potential for misuse of information. The subject of shadow profiles is closely related to broader topics of internet privacy^[1], communication privacy management theory, and participatory surveillance.

Terms definitions

1. ↑ internet privacy. Internet Privacy is a crucial aspect of the digital realm that deals with safeguarding users' personal information. It entails the control over what data about oneself is gathered and how it's used. This concept has gained considerable significance with the advent and evolution of the Internet and mobile networks. It covers various elements like the protection of personal space, choice, and information. The essence of Internet privacy is the controlled disclosure of personal data by users. It addresses the risks and threats posed by activities such as online tracking for targeted advertisements, data collection via social media and online transactions, and malicious activities like spyware. It also touches upon legal regulations, anonymity, and the impact of online behavior. Various technologies used for online tracking and their associated privacy concerns also fall under its purview. Internet privacy is a dynamic and vital field that continually evolves in response to emerging technologies and threats.

2. ↑ Facebook ( Facebook ) Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms, is a major Internet company that started as a social networking platform. Founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, Facebook expanded rapidly from Harvard to other universities and later to the general public, becoming a global phenomenon. It is known for its user-friendly interface and various features such as Groups, the Developer Platform, and Facebook Dating. Despite facing criticism for issues like privacy breaches and the spread of fake news, Facebook has remained a dominant player in the online world. It has made significant strides in the field of technology, including the development of its unique data storage system, the use of PHP for its platform, and the launch of the Hack programming language. In recent years, the company has shifted its focus to the metaverse, a virtual reality space where users can interact with a computer-generated environment.

Shadow profile (Wikipedia)

A shadow profile is a collection of information pertaining to an application's users, or even some of its non-users, collected without their consent. The term is most commonly used to describe the manner in which technological companies such as Facebook collect information related to people who did not willingly provide it to them.

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