PIP Facebook message

Hi Gordon,

Fair enough, but the AP obviously used this lack of security to read and attempt to contact the claimant through their account and to me that is punching below the belt.

It. may be legal but in my book it's a 'Big Brother' scenario.

Regards,

Phrank.

Hi Phrank,
This isn`t really punching below the belt, this is a common activity used by many organisations to:
1. Prevent fraudulent activities by a person (e.g. claiming illness whilst on holiday, trying to claim benefits due to illness).
2. To check on applicants for jobs.

The problem here is, as already mentioned, that the user had left his account open to the public domain meaning it`s another channel of communication that can be used by 3rd parties.

I can see why you would call it "under the belt" but, in reality, the AP used his / her initiative in using an alternative form of communication.

I have a Facebook account but it is "tied right down" to prevent people seeing when I`m online or what I`ve been doing. I have absolutely no personal details shown in the account because I only use it to contact organisations when other means aren`t available / will take too long.

Andy

Hi all, especially Gary and Andy.

I take your points.

I stopped using social media quite a few years ago as I felt it was too much of an infringement into my private affairs.

Not understanding fully at the time, I got out of this madness before it took hold of me. I felt uncomfortable about people making such big things about what they'd had for their tea - and posting photos of the said meal(s).

Feeling ashamed at my curled-up lard sandwich remnants and more-than occasional crumbs looking so sad on my meagre table, I decided enough was enough.

I felt like I had gone back through a portal into the real world and have remained there ever since.

*The lard sandwich was made up and I accept full responsibity for fibbing.*

Finally: it looks like I jumped the gun yet again but thinking things through and looking before I leap have never been my strong points.

Once again, I do take your points.

It scares me though.

Kind regards,

Phrank.

Might be worth a brief item in the News to highlight this, as many readers may not have realised they need to adjust their facebook [or other social media?] settings in this way.
Me? I refuse to go near having any social media accounts!
Denby