Thanks to Line Lundh for pointing me towards this recent EU opinion: Opinion 5/2009 on online social networking ARTICLE 29 DATA PROTECTION WORKING PARTY Adopted on 12 June 2009 <http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/fsj/privacy/docs/wpdocs/2009/wp163_en.pdf> To quote from the Summary: Key recommendations focus on the obligations of SNS providers to conform with the Data Protection Directive and to uphold and strengthen the rights of users. Of paramount importance, SNS providers should inform users of their identity from the outset and outline all the different purposes for which they process personal data. Particular care should be taken by SNS providers with regard to the processing of the personal data of minors. The Opinion recommends that users should only upload pictures or information about other individuals, with the individual¹s consent and considers that SNS also have a duty to advise users regarding the privacy rights of others. Should make for interesting discussion! cheers, - charles ess Distinguished Research Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies Drury University, Springfield, Missouri 65802 USA Professor MSO (med særlige opgaver), Department of Information and Media Studies Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark President, Association of Internet Researchers Co-editor, International Journal of Internet Research Ethics <http://ijire.net/> Co-chair, CATaC conferences <www.catacconference.org> Exemplary persons seek harmony, not sameness. -- Analects 13.23