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Facebook Sneaks Up on BlackBerry Users

Privacy advocates wary of site's new icons

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 26, 2007 5:03 PM CST

(Newser) – BlackBerry owners may have noticed a new icon appearing on their devices in the past week: a link to Facebook. Some T-Mobile smartphones are getting the icons whether or not customers want them. Facebook spokespeople say users can still decide whether to download the software, but to privacy groups the unwanted icons spell intrusion, reports the San Jose Mercury News.

The Facebook link can be hidden but not deleted, a move that recalls the Beacon advertising system fiasco. Facebook says no information is shared among companies, but the head of the Center for Digital Democracy isn't sold: "It illustrates a basic problem over at Facebook, which is their need to fatten their bank account is confounding their need to protect the privacy of their members."

On your BlackBerry, you can now access Facebook sites remotely... whether you like it or not. (

In this Aug. 30, 2007, file photo a Blackberry displays the Microsoft homepage in a downtown Toronto office. Research in Motion Ltd.'s fiscal third-quarter profit more than doubled on strong demand for... (Associated Press)

Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg speaks to press and advertising partners about Beacon at a Facebook announcement in New York in this November 6, 2007 file photo. Facebook has taken another step... (Associated Press)

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Facebook Cited in 33% of Divorces

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Security experts applaud opt-in requirement

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... and Mark Zuckerberg himself learned the hard way

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Site is all about sharing, so stop expecting a 'silver bullet' fix: Farhad Manjoo

Facebook Settles Privacy Case With FTC

It agrees to independent audits for 20 years

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Facebook • online privacy • BlackBerry • icons

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Facebook Cited in 33% of Divorces

Flirting, cheating ways often uncovered online

Google's Photo ID Feature Calms Privacy Fears

Security experts applaud opt-in requirement

Facebook Glitch Allowed Access to Private Photos

... and Mark Zuckerberg himself learned the hard way

Blame Yourself for Facebook's Lack of Privacy

Site is all about sharing, so stop expecting a 'silver bullet' fix: Farhad Manjoo

Facebook Settles Privacy Case With FTC

It agrees to independent audits for 20 years

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