Students in Trouble Over Facebook Entries

An interesting article about privacy & facebook... I've highlighted some points:

"Students In Trouble Over Facebook Entries

Updated: 14:59, Tuesday July 17, 2007
Oxford University has relied on 'private' photos on social websites to discipline students, according to reports.
Facebook not always private


Students are now being advised to alter privacy settings on sites such as Facebook and Myspace.

Alex Hill, a maths and philosophy student, was reportedly charged by the Oxford disciplinary body with disorderly conduct, after incriminating photos posted on her Facebook profile were used against her.

Citing problems with antisocial behaviour, a spokesperson for Oxford University said that "Proctors wish to take the steps available to them to identify and discipline the culprits."

It is not only universities using social sites to learn more about people - employers have also been relying on information gleaned from user profiles when making employment decisions.

A survey conducted by Viadeo found that one in five employers have used the internet to find personal information about candidates, and a quarter of recruiters have rejected applicants based on their findings.

A recent graduate, who wished to remain unknown, told us: "Many of my friends are now worrying about all the dodgy photos on Facebook from their time at uni.

"You've got to delete photos, or better still never put them online, to guarantee they won't get out."

Students are being advised that the only way to prevent sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands is to keep it offline altogether.

The problem is not just affecting people in the UK - current Miss Jersey, Amy Polumbo, almost lost her crown after potentially embarrassing photos of her appeared on Facebook.

"This was meant to be private," the 22-year-old said. "It was supposed to be between my friends and I."

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30400-1275699,00.html