ABSTRACT

Privacy has become one of the most important concerns within social media communication. The European Union (EU) Right To Be Forgotten (RTBF) forced Google and other browsers to respond to user requests to delete their information from search engines. Within the US, privacy laws are slowly developing. There are concerns about the ability of Facebook and other sites to serve a surveillance function for law enforcement and others. Social networks are susceptible to intrusion on perceived privacy. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and other contract law may govern user rules. Each social media site has Terms of Service (ToS) end-user agreements, privacy policies, and other rules. There is a movement toward promoting a safe and inclusive online environment. Companies must strike a balance between their business models and user demands for privacy. The US FTC has called for greater transparency.