Web watchdog warns of social network perils

The European watchdog for web and information security, Enisa, has warned of the dangers of social networking sites.

Academics and industry experts discussed the risks of using social networking websites at Enisa's How safe is "Social Networking"? workshop, with personal security emerging as the main concern.

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Alain Esterle, head of Enisa's technical department, said people run the risk of information posted on social networks being used against them.

He said young people are revealing intimate details of their personal lives that anyone can have access to - including current and potential employers.

He added technology such as internet archives and online face recognition means that once information has been posted it is hard to hide or remove.

The exploitation of social network sites by criminals has also been identified as a major issue by Enisa.

The experts warned that the intimacy many people feel exists within a social network is actually being exploited by advertisers selling goods through fake profiles.

Despite the warnings, Enisa said Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are the online success stories of the 20th century with MySpace recently welcoming its 100-millionth user.

Enisa will present the official results of its fact finding on social networking in October, to help users and encourage providers of such services to create a safer environment.

Enisa's role is to promote Europe as a leader in network and information security tech, using workshops, seminars and publications to raise awareness.