'Scrapers' Dig Deep For Data On Web 158
srwellman writes "The practice of Web 'scraping' is growing as many firms offer to collect personal, and potentially incriminating, data about users from their social networking profiles and discussions. Many companies even collect online conversations and personal details from social networks, job sites and forums where people might discuss their lives and even potentially sensitive data, such as health issues. These scrapers operate in a legal grey area leaving many users exposed." We ban scrapers like this regularly here simply for not adhering to the rules spelled out in robots.txt.
Re:They won't get me (Score:2, Funny)
I suppose if you have nothing to hide and have avoided getting too controversial in your online discussions, or too outrageous in your social network photos and statuses, you're probably safe from major problems.
Yep. That's why my pic on chatroulette is an exact average size penis.
Re:Bravo (Score:5, Funny)
He used a pseudonym on the message boards, but his PatientsLikeMe profile linked to his blog, which contains his real name.
I don't think we need to dig any deeper to come to the conclusion that this guy is an idiot.
Indeed, Joseph Swanson.
Re:They won't get me (Score:2, Funny)
That's OK, Phillip Wilkerson of Midland, MI. We still know all about you. Tell Donna and the kids hi for us. Don't forget to pick up dog food on your way home from the tanning salon.
Sincerely,
Google