The only example I can think of was using avatar images of your friends next to ads. I've never heard of them using non-avatar images. Have they? Not that I condone the use of friends' avatars to suggest endorsement of products… that is a little different that taking images out of photo albums which I haven't heard of them ever attempting to do.

Regardless, I understand why they need “broad coverage” in their TOS since they do need to be able to display your images for you're friends and potentially next to onsite banner ads… to me actions are way more important than TOS in this case.

BUT, I think the recent media chatter has more to do with sensationalism than a real “new” threat, only because the truth is if you use the Internet, period, most of your information is easily discoverable by anybody looking for it. If you've ever typed your social into a web site, or your birthday, or your credit card, your info is out there if people know where to look. But that's not exactly newsworthy.

On the biz side, I think it's foolish to dismiss FB wholesale based on some lightweight news reports and sensationalized headlines. The solution is simple: Just don't put critical information in in the first place. Only type in the pieces you want to share with everybody. Provide the minimum, like a means of contacting you and what your business is about, but not your birthday, or any other piece of info you use to tie into your security settings elsewhere (favorite pet's name, city you were born, etc.)), and review your security settings once in a while. If you don't provide the info in the first place that you don't want shared with everyone, you shouldn't have much of a problem.

Oh, and I'm tired of them pimping my profile out and encouraging people to friend me. I know that's counter to the whole “social” aspect, but if I don't want certain people to find me I should have the option to stay hidden (yes, I know, nobody's MAKING me use the service to begin with…).

And honestly, it's probably their lawyers trying to reduce liability. Like if someone uses Facebook for their album with those being the only copies and then sues Facebook if the photos are lost. It's another product of our sue happy society.

Oh, and I’m tired of them pimping my profile out and encouraging people to friend me. I know that’s counter to the whole “social” aspect, but if I don’t want certain people to find me I should have the option to stay hidden (yes, I know, nobody’s MAKING me use the service to begin with…).