ABSTRACT
Social media has grown in just 20 years from a way to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues to a pervasive communication network for sharing ideas, accessing news and even conducting business. Online networking is as prevalent today as the telephone (invented 130 years ago,) and as widespread as newsprint. It has impacted cultures as much, if not more, than television and radio. Until recently, many subscribers were unaware of the risks taken as they participate in these networks, forfeiting their privacy and security in exchange for membership of these social forums. This chapter will shed some light on the real business model behind social media, define key privacy issues, and make a case for how the GDPR will help provide security when sharing users’ personal data. The balance of free-speech rights and artistic expression will also be explored through a discussion and analysis of landmark cases.
The Cambridge Analytics breach of 87 million social media subscriber information through Facebook is a prime example of how nefarious data processors operate under false pretenses for personal gain and greed. Social media companies need to protect its own members and do a better job monitoring third parties. Transparency of how personal data is being used is vital at this juncture of privacy and social networking if the business model will work successfully for all stakeholders, not just advertisers.
