I just quit Facebook.
Here’s why. They have just activated a feature called “Beacon,” that allows participating merchants to automatically tell members’ friends what they have bought, rented, or auctioned. Facebook encourages companies to achieve “word of mouth promotion of your business” to “millions” by using Beacon.
I consider this a gross invasion of privacy. It is not what I expect from a site that can supposedly be trusted to act in my best interest. While there are opt-out selections, they are not easily found. Besides, that’s not the point. They implemented Beacon without telling members and without explaining the ramifications. People are already complaining that their Christmas lists were disclosed, and aren’t you just dying to have your boss able to check out even more of your business on the Web?
When you deactivate your account you get to leave a comment. Here’s the one I wrote:
I don’t approve of Facebook’s new advertising and privacy policies, specifically showing information about purchases, etc. by default. While I realize I can opt out, I no longer trust Facebook to make decisions that are in my best interest.
You can read more here.