| Abstract [eng] |
Master's thesis object is the protection of personal information data on social networking sites. The aim of thesis is to analyze the protection of personal data on social networking sites and set the users' personal data publishing practices. The thesis tasks: to reveal the conception of social networking sites; clarify the popularity features of social networking sites; analyze the structure of social networking sites; examine the conception and protection of personal privacy and personal data; find the threats rising on social networking sites to the personal data as part of personal privacy; analyze personal data protection policy on social networking sites; determine the Lithuanian consumers attitude to the protection of personal data on Facebook.com website and compare it with foreign Facebook.com users' approach. Using the scientific literature analysis methods (analysis and comparative) the conception of social networking sites, emerging relations between users and the structure of these sites was defined. Using analytical and comparative methods the attention was drawn to importance of personal data protection on social networking sites and to threats related to data publicity. It is noted that in order to protect personal privacy and personal data on social networking sites the attitude and behavior of consumers is important. After examining the personal data protection politics published on social networking sites (two - foreign, two - Lithuania 's) by document analysis method and comparing these politics, it was observed that the structure, content and main identified conditions of these politics are similar. However, the examined sites on their personal data protection policy do not provide the purpose for which the personal data are collected. Also it was found that three of examined social networking sites, while user registration do not mention this policy (there is no reference to it). It follows, that social networking sites do not encourage users to be interested in the use of their personal data. Also, it was observed, that social networking sites assume that only by sharing personal information significant opportunities are provided for people to communicate with each other, so users are motivated to provide more information. Consequently, in order to avoid limit's decline between privacy and publicity the person himself should show more interest for whom and what purpose the information is provided. By applying empirical method (questionnaire survey), it was concluded that for Lithuanian users one of social networking sites - Facebook.com is an integral part of their daily activities. After research it was noticed that Lithuanian users provide most of self-identifying information but understanding the possible consequences of such publicity determines that majority uses privacy settings that prevent the data leaked. During survey results were compared with the results of overseas researches and it was observed that Lithuanian consumers of Facebook.com sites are more cautious - consider whom they take to the contact list, asses the threats rising to their privacy and personal data, notice the published personal data protection policy. It was assumed, that if social networking sites will not strengthen protection of personal data and will not abide by the policies posted - the number of Lithuanian users will decrease. |
