Facebook on the front page - the Independent newspaper runs a story about electronic footprints and Facebook privacy

Today's Independent newspaper has Facebook on it's front page as part of a big feature on internet privacy and data protection.

"Millions of young people have made themselves vulnerable to identity theft as well as putting their future academic and professional prospects at risk by recklessly posting personal information on the internet, Britain's privacy watchdog warns in a report published today.

The report's findings will add to increasing fears about the unchecked growth of personal information held in Britain and the way it is protected after a security blunder at HM Revenue & Customs in which highly sensitive details belonging to 25 million people were lost in the post. Now, in a far-reaching study of the internet behaviour of young people, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) says that 4.5 million web users aged between 14 and 21 could be vulnerable to identity fraud because of the carefree way they give up information on the internet, especially when visiting social networking sites.

A similar number are damaging their future education and employment prospects by leaving an "electronic footprint" which could compromise their chances of winning places at colleges and companies."

Full story is here: http://news.independent.co.uk/sci_tech/article3187110.ece

Is the Independent trying to sensationalise this or should we all be concerned about our online data?

Bebo OpenMedia / Open Media presentation at BAFTA in London - final live blog update!

Panel debate with BBC, Premium TV, AJAX, Endemol and Turner.

Open Media partner content is found through the discovery area on Bebo which means users will not feel invaded. 'Open Media' is open to everyone, not just big producers - long tail content is just as welcome.

Feeling that development in social networks content has only just started - chances for walk-on parts, characters crossing from online film to traditional programs and vice versa, qualifying competitions for X Factor / Big Brother etc

Joanna Shields sees Facebook and Bebo playing different roles. She sees Facebook is a communications utility, Bebo as a platform for self expression and content discovery.

"Aren't Bebo giving too much away?" No, making it a more interesting place for users will work in the long run - more users staying longer will lead to higher CPMs across the site + improved stickiness = more opportunities for advertisers.

For BBC it's about choice and relevance and this platform helps them to connect with youth audiences.

ITV conspicuous by their absence but 25 different partners have been signed up in a very short space of time.

Feeling that content that is unique will work better than 'repackaged old tat.' Content creators need to think about this environment and there are signs that they are starting to do this now. Feeling that Bebo gives a great platform for unique, youth targeted video content.

Presentations are now over and Jamie Cullum has started!

He 'loves Bebo' and is very appreciative though disappointed that he wasn't allowed to 'play with a Bafta.'

Nick Burcher writes: "Bebo's Open Media announcement was made through a well produced event and is a really interesting development. Content producers have a great opportunity to distribute and monetise their content in a new way - especially as they can use their own players inside Bebo. Signs are they will embrace this opportunity and the success of productions like KateModern demonstrate what can happen if they get it right."

Thank you Bebo for inviting me!

I blogged about this event in 3 parts:

Part 1 is here -
http://www.nickburcher.com/2007/11/bebo-presentation-at-bafta-in-london.html

Part 2 is here -
http://www.nickburcher.com/2007/11/bebo-presentation-update-number-2.html

Bebo presentation update number 2 - Joanna Shields announces Bebo's new Open Media platform!

Big film now with vox pops and a voiceover talking stats! Highlighting the 25m views in 3 months for Kate Modern and the folllow ups - Sofia's Diary and Gap Year.

Joanna Shields, President international, Bebo now speaking and announcing 'Open Media' + showing the new look as Bebo has been completely redesigned / relaunched today.

Users are spending 35-40 minutes per day, 40 million users WW and biggest site in UK. Audience use Bebo to engage with content.

BBC, Sky, MTV, Endemol, Yahoo, Last FM, Turner, Sony and lots of other people are partnering Bebo.

Partners will get free and open access to Bebo platform to distribute content as they see fit through free branded channels. Media companies can do what they want with these channels, can pre-roll clips and keep ad revenue. User interactions and favourites spread
virally through users network.

Benefits users, content providers and Bebo. The audience were invited to liberate content and find new ways to engage users online.

PA now from Remi Nicole!

I blogged about this event in 3 parts:

Part 1 is here - http://www.nickburcher.com/2007/11/bebo-presentation-at-bafta-in-london.html

Part 3 is here - http://www.nickburcher.com/2007/11/bebo-open-media-presentation-at-bafta.html

Bebo presentation at BAFTA in London - live blogging!

I have never tried to live blog before but I am at Bafta for a Bebo event and thought now would be the ideal time to try!

So having made our way through the rain, we are now inside BAFTA and are filing into the main theatre. 6 chairs are on stage for what looks like a panel discussion and musical instruments have been set up for the forthcoming live PA's including Jamie Cullum!

I have been hanging out with Kate Modern and her cast and have just seen actors from the latest production Sofia's diary. They have been whisked away now, but there is a buzz of anticipation!

Good start!

*I blogged about this event in 3 parts:

Part 2 is here -
http://www.nickburcher.com/2007/11/bebo-presentation-update-number-2.html

Part 3 is here - http://www.nickburcher.com/2007/11/bebo-open-media-presentation-at-bafta.html