The European Commission yesterday expressed concern over privacy issues related to social networks such as Facebook and Myspace.
According to the Commission, the majority of such social networks do not guarantee adequate privacy to their users and this could lead to information being accessed by unwanted third parties.
The Commission warned users to "think before they post" because all information, including profiles and photos, will remain online forever and can be used in the future for purposes unrelated to social networking.
A study conducted by the EU shows that recruitment agencies are increasingly using these types of networks to vet job applications. The study established that almost half of European re-cruiters seek information on job seekers using online social networks and almost a quarter have rejected candidates on the basis of such research.
"Posting photos online of what may have been an unforgettable, fun moment with friends may have consequences in future years," warned Commissioner Viviane Reding, the new EU Commissioner for Justice and Fundamental Rights.
"A potential employer may visit such websites when con-sidering a job application years after the photos were posted and not everyone might like what a photo shows."
The use of social networks has grown in popularity all over the EU over the past years and Malta is no exception with thousands of people networked to these sites, sharing thoughts and images and footage.
According to a Eurobarmeter survey conducted last year, European teenagers are barely aware of the privacy issues raised by such websites and 50 per cent of them do not hesitate to give out personal information on the web.
Ms Reding said that, although some progress had been made by social network companies in the past years, especially through measures that limit access to information, more needed to be done.
According to Eurobarometer, less than half of social networking companies (40 per cent) make profiles of under-18 users visible only to their friends.
"I expect all companies to do more. Minors' profiles need to be set to private by default and questions or abuse reports have to receive quick and appropriate responses. The internet is now vital to our children and it is the responsibility of all to make it safe."
The Commission is also evaluating the possibility of proposing new legislation to oblige social network sites to upgrade their privacy provisions.