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Networking Teens Risk Identity Theft

UK study says millions share data too casually with strangers

By Jim O'Neill, Newser User

Posted Nov 23, 2007 6:45 PM CST

(Newser) – Millions of young users of social networking sites are risking identity theft because of information shared online, warns a UK study reported in the Independent today. Britain's privacy watchdog concludes that 4.5 million web users from 14 to 21 years old could be vulnerable to identity fraud, and young users posting personal information on sites also risk damaging educational and business prospects.

In a survey, two-thirds of social networkers said they accept people they don't know as "friends" and more than half leave parts of their personal profile public in order to attract new "friends." Nearly two-thirds also said they had never considered that information they put online now might affect their educational or employment prospects in the future.

Facebook Co-Founder Dustin Moskovitz. (Getty Images)

Laura Handyside, clockwise from left, of Duluth, Peter Sparby, of North Oaks, Minn., and Kadian Hofstad, of Pine City, Minn., laugh while using a laptop to check Facebook web pages of their friends. (KRT Photos)

Identity theft is a growing problem. (Getty Images)

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras speaks on identity theft issues. (Getty Images)

Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg speaks to press and advertising partners at a Facebook announcement in New York, Monday, November 6, 2007. The online hangout said Tuesday it plans to let companies... (Associated Press)

Facebook.com's mastermind Mark Zuckerberg smiles at his office in Palo Alto, Calif. in this Feb. 5, 2007 file photo. Rapidly rising Internet star Facebook Inc. has sold a 1.6 percent stake to Microsoft... (Associated Press)

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Networking Teens Risk Identity Theft

UK study says millions share data too casually with strangers

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UK study says millions share data too casually with strangers

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

MySpace • Facebook • identity theft • business tech

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Facebook Virus Gang Living in Luxury

Koobface Gang not bothering to hide their identities, location

MySpace Creator: We Had Video Chat Years Ago

People weren't ready for it then, but they are now: Tom Anderson

Fake Soldiers Scam Facebook Users

Military warns women to beware of impersonators looking for love

How a 'Slimy' Facebook Prank Took Over My Life

Susan Arnout Smith couldn't get 'disgusting' profile removed

Cops Using Facebook to Bust Dumb Criminals

Lack of privacy can be a good thing for investigators

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