Why Businesses Shouldn’t Friend Facebook
The news site Ars Technica (owned by Condé Nast Digital) woke up Thursday morning to find their Facebook page locked after an unknown person complained to Facebook that some piece of Ars Technica content infringed on their rights. With no warning, explanation, or clear appeal process, and with only minimal communication after Ars staffers started to investigate, the Ars Technica Facebook page remained inaccessible the entire day. (It has now been restored, with a statement from Facebook apologizing weakly and justifying the action.) If this can happen to a major news outlet like Ars Technica, which can bring corporate resources to bear on resolving the situation, just imagine how much fun it would be for a small business. Moral of the story: Do not rely on Facebook for anything critical to your business. Facebook is not your friend.
The same thing has happened to famed movie critic Roger Ebert.
It's time for the FCC, FTC, FBI, etc., to begin an extensive investigation of Facebook. Hopefully, they can use the RICO Act to put Zuckerberg away where he belongs.