Facebook Apps Leak User Info

Some Facebook applications have been leaking user information — specifically, Facebook UIDs — to third party companies.

The apps in question have a huge combined userbase. The Wall Street Journal reports that all of the 10 most popular Facebook (Facebook) apps are guilty of giving away user IDs to third parties, specifically Internet (Internet) research and advertising companies.

These include Zynga’s FarmVille, Texas HoldEm Poker (texas holdem poker) and FrontierVille; according to AppData, FarmVille alone had more than 80 million users in February 2010.

Facebook confirmed some of the issues in a blog post, claiming most of the apps in question shared the user IDs inadvertently, due to “technical details.”

“Our policy is very clear about protecting user data, ensuring that no one can access private user information without explicit user consent (…) Recently, it has come to our attention that several applications built on Facebook Platform were passing the User ID (UID), an identifier that we use within our APIs, in a manner that violated this policy. In most cases, developers did not intend to pass this information, but did so because of the technical details of how browsers work,” the post said.

Earlier this weekend, Facebook blocked LOLapps, one of the biggest social games providers on the Facebook platform, due to “violations of Facebook’s terms.” The WSJ claims that some of the apps created by LOLapps were also transmitting user info to third parties. LOLapps (whose apps have now been reinstated on Facebook) has confirmed this was the case in a blog post, claiming it shared the info inadvertently.

Facebook also said that “knowledge of a UID does not enable anyone to access private user information without explicit user consent.”

This is true, but Facebook UID can be very revealing, depending on the user’s privacy settings. Knowing the ID of a Facebook user who shares information with “Everyone” can potentially give you access to his/her name, phone number, e-mail, photos and other personal info. Even if a user has set the strictest possible privacy settings on his/her account on Facebook, the ID may still reveal his/her name and Facebook friends.

And then there’s the issue of scale. If an application with tens of millions of users shares Facebook UIDs with an advertising company, that’s a lot of data. Depending on your privacy settings on Facebook, this particular advertising company now may only know your name and the names of your friends or much more. But the real question is one of trust: Have you agreed to any of this, and do you want to be in this company’s database?

This is another in a long line of Facebook’s privacy missteps. Although Facebook has claimed time and time again that it’s doing everything it can to preserve its users’ privacy, this latest incident won’t do much to convince its users that this is really the case.

Thanks to Stan Schroeder for the heads up.

New study shows lower car crash rates for older drivers

Via MattarMedia - As the Baby Boomer generation is getting older, we have more older drivers on the roads than in previous years. A few of the more common generalizations made about the elderly include:

1. They drive slow, sometimes under the speed limit which can be hazardous.
2. They have poor reflexes, resulting in slow reaction time.
3. They have poor vision, which affects their driving ability.

While some of these stereotypes may be true for some drivers, a new study released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that the greatest decrease in crash rates was for older drivers. Results from the report show that injury crash rates declined 34% for drivers 80 years old and up, while the decrease in injury crash rates for 35-54 year-olds was only 16%.

What could this mean? Well, for one, with the advances in the medical field, older people are, generally speaking, in better health today than in the past. Some other theories are that cars are built safer today; and, elderly people are using better judgment as to when they should stay off the roads.

Earlier this year, the New York State DMV unveiled a new web site geared specifically for older drivers. If you have a loved one in the older age bracket, please pass the link on to them.  Staying informed is the first step to staying safe.

Drinking and Riding Don't Mix

Via MattarMedia - We all know the dangers of drinking and driving, and it applies to drinking and motorcycle riding too.  It seems like that would be a logical conclusion, yet studies show some scary trends in motorcycle accidents.

Here are some sobering motorcycle statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA: 2004 study):

• 41 percent motorcycle operators who died in single-vehicle crashes had BAC levels of .08 g/dL or higher. 
• Riders in the 40- to 49-year-old age group had the highest percentage of alcohol involvement (46%).
• Alcohol was involved in 49 percent of single-vehicle fatal motorcycle crashes and 25 percent of multiple-vehicle fatal motorcycle crashes.
• Alcohol was involved in 54 percent of nighttime fatal crashes.

Riding while under the influence of alcohol is simply not worth it.  If you are planning on drinking, have a designated driver or call for a cab ride home.  The risks are too big to take.

Check back this week to find out what you should know about motorcycle RiderCourses and where you can take one.

The Least Known Motorcycle Safety Tip

Via MattarMedia - Continuing with the topic of motorcycle safety, here is a tip you may never have considered before. Do not wear sunblock with a full-face helmet. Why? Read the story by James Davis from this resourceful Motorcycle Safety Site to find out:

Yesterday Elaine and I participated in the third annual Lime Run hosted by the Lone Star Ladies. It turns out that we manned one of the stops on the run which meant that we were in the sun all day long. We used a sunblock on our faces, necks and arms so that we would not get 'over-done'.

We had about a 100 mile ride to get home. 12 miles from home I went blind, at 70 MPH! One minute all was right with the world, the next instant both my eyes stung and gushed tears so badly that I was forced to shut them both completely - blinking did not help - I could not see a thing!

Mind you that I was wearing a full-face helmet, glasses, and the shield was down on the helmet. It didn't exactly make any sense to me either - how could something get into my eyes like that?

Elaine happened to be driving her cage rather than her bike yesterday and was in front of me. Fortunately we had put a hand-held CB into her car that very day! She slowed and steered interference for me for about a quarter of a mile.

With one of my eyes totally shut and the other blinking rapidly (and painfully), I managed to be able to see enough to guide the bike one lane to the right on the freeway, then mercifully there was an off ramp right in front of us - we took it.

Off the freeway we pulled right into a vacant lot off the access road and again I was unable to open either eye. I felt for the kickstand and got it in place just as she jumped out of her car and came back to see what was wrong. Not sure if I was level or not, I wanted both hands to stay on the handlebars and asked her to take my glasses off for me.

Tears poured down my face from both eyes - not from the pain, though there was plenty of that, but from whatever was in my eyes. Elaine ran to her car and got a bottle of water and a handful of Kleenex tissues for me. I washed my eyes with the water and then applied the tissues and all was instantly well again!

It turns out that some of the sunblock on my nose had vaporized with the heat in my helmet and my dark glasses wrap around my head and touch my face all around my eyes - keeping the vapor in.

The message is simple: If you use sunblock on your face be sure to wipe it off before putting your helmet on! (Incidentally, you can buy sports-oriented sunblock products that purport not to sting your eyes.)

Hey! Watch out for that motorcycle!

Via MattarMedia - May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and we have been commemorating it by posting some helpful safety tips since last week (be sure to check out some of those informational articles).

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 70% of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur at intersections. As motorists, we need to be aware of everything that is going on around us. Often times, a motorcycle or bicycle can be overlooked or completely out of view in your blind spot.

Watch this eye-opening video to see how simple it is to miss a motorcycle. Please remember to always look twice for bikes - it only takes a second of your time and it's easier than living with the consequences.

[You can also view other great videos at MattarMedia.]

How can you avoid hitting a motorcyclist?

Via MattarMedia - Spring has sprung! The warm weather is rolling out, and so are the motorcycles. After a long winter, cyclists are revving up their engines and breaking out on the open roads. So, what should you know as a motorist to avoid colliding with a biker?

Motorcycles have some unique characteristics that generally would not be known by people who do not ride themselves. Being aware of these small differences may help to keep motorcyclists safer on the roads.

Hazard #1: Braking
Motorcyclists will often slow down by downshifting, as opposed to applying the brakes.  When this happens, there will be no brake lights to communicate their change in speed. 
Solution: Always keep a reasonable distance behind a motorcycle so you have enough time to respond when you notice that they are slowing down.


Hazard #2: Turning
Unlike most cars, the turn signals on a motorcycle are not self-canceling.  This means that if a biker does not turn it off, it may look like he is turning when he is not.
Solution: Never assume a motorcycle is turning, even when the turn signal is on.  This simple defensive driving tactic can help to eliminate this danger.

Hazard #3: Stopping
Inclement weather and slippery road conditions make stopping quickly difficult on a motorcycle.
Solution: Again, allow plenty of distance between you and a motorcycle.  Don't expect that the rider can stop suddenly.

Hazard #4: Maneuvering
Motorcycles are known for quick and easy movement.  While maneuverability might be characteristic of a bike, don't assume that a rider will always be able to get out of the way of road hazards.
Solution: Keep your distance and slow down when you spy potential risks, such as potholes and road debris.

As motorists, we are responsible for not just ourselves, but everyone else on the roads that we may encounter.  Treat motorcyclists as if they were pedestrians in the road - bikers have just as little to protect them when they are hit by a motor vehicle.

Is motorcycle riding for you?

Via MattarMedia - The motorcycles are back on the road and you find yourself envious of the inherent freedom that biking symbolizes. But before you seriously think about purchasing a motorcycle, is it right for you?

Take this self-assessment, courtesy of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation,  to see if you should even consider getting a bike:

1. Are you a higher risk-taker than others you know? If you tend to need a thrill while driving a car and have aggressive or risky tendencies, motorcycling may not be for you.

2. Can you ride a bicycle? This is generally a good gauge of your ability to maneuver a motorcycle. Bicycling, like motorcycling, is a physical activity that involves balance and coordination.

3. Can you drive a stick-shift car? This is not a requirement, but it may make learning to ride easier because almost all motorcycles have manual transmissions.

4. Do you see well? Riding a motorcycle requires special perceptual skills that rely on good vision. The ability to see well ahead is important for safe riding.

5. Are you safety-minded? Riders can control their situation only if safety is a high priority. Millions of motorcyclists ride millions of miles without incident, and they likely take safety seriously.

6. Can you focus? Inattention is a major cause of crashes. Safe motorcycling requires dedicated attention to the immediate task and a keen awareness of everything going on 360 degrees around you.

7. Can you react quickly in an emergency? On a motorcycle, having quick reaction skills is essential because other drivers tend not to see motorcyclists in traffic, especially around intersections.

8. Are you willing to invest some time in learning to ride the right way before hopping on a bike? Your best “first ride” is a Basic Rider Course where you can familiarize yourself with the safe operation of a motorcycle.

Riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun, but also comes with some serious risks.  Please ride carefully. 

The DWI Hall of Shame

Via MattarMedia - When someone chooses to drive a vehicle while impaired, they endanger everybody on the roads. On Tuesday, we discussed "what is a vehicle" in New York state (you can read the post here if you missed it).

Today, we highlight some of the most news worthy DWI arrests we have seen. The results are in! Our Hall of Shame nominees are:

Most Geographically-Challenged DWI: This man was so drunk that he drove up to the loading dock at a prison in Fultonville, NY and asked for permission to cross into Canada (he thought he was at the Canadian border in Niagara Falls - some 260 miles away from where he actually was). Read the story here.

Most Embarrassing DWI: I am sure you are wondering, "how can a DWI be embarrassing?" Well, what if you were arrested while driving drunk on an electric Barbie jeep? Yes, we are referring to the pink toy jeep marketed to 3 year old toddlers. Find the story here, complete with photos.

Most Innovative DWI: Every now and then, we see a news article about someone who was arrested for driving a lawn mower drunk. While one could make an argument for best use of time management, it is not very unique. This guy on the other hand, put a motor on his La-Z-Boy armchair and took it for a spin after a few too many drinks. We blogged about him last year, but we think it deserves a second mention. You can find the original blog post here.

Thankfully, no one was injured in any of these stories. Please remember to have a designated driver if you are going to be drinking. There is nothing wrong with having a good time but only if you do it responsibly.

Are you wearing your bike helmet the correct way?

Via MattarMedia - When we think about bike safety, we tend to think about using hand signals or riding on the right side of the road. What often gets forgotten is that bike safety starts before you even get on your bike - with the proper equipment.

When worn correctly, a bike helmet can help protect you from head or brain injury, and can even be effective in saving your life. It is important to make sure that the helmet you wear is made for bicycling, as each helmet is designed for a certain sport. You also want to check that the helmet meets CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards - this information can be found on the manufacturer's label inside the helmet.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following guidelines for properly fitting a bicycle helmet:

• Helmet should fit level on the head (one to two fingers above eyebrow). 
• Helmet straps should form a “V” under the ears. 
• Helmet straps must be buckled tight enough so no more than two fingers can fit between the chin and the strap. 
• When adjusted, the helmet should not move more than about an inch in any direction.

For additional information on bicycle helmets, including how to measure your head and when to replace a helmet, visit The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Be sure to check our blog for more helpful tips throughout the week. Safe riding!

Investigators Believe Texting Contributed to Fatal Crash

Via MattarMedia - The Livingston County Sheriff's Department believes a SUNY Geneseo student killed in a one car crash in Leicester early Tuesday morning may have been texting at the time of the crash.

The sheriff's department identified the victim as Mary Kavanaugh, 22, of Sanborn, Niagara County.

Investigators believe Kavanaugh may have been text messaging, which contributed to her drifting off the roadway and causing the vehicle to roll.

SUNY Geneseo officials notified the campus Tuesday of Kavanaugh's death through an e-mail from the dean of students.

Many of Mary’s friends and co-workers at The Statesmen bar, where the owner said Kavanaugh was an employee, were upset about the news. Some of them told YNN she was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back.

Some students say they are still shocked about her death, especially with graduation weeks away.

"You hear things like this on the news and you don't really think twice about it sometimes but when it's someone from your community and from the school you go to it definitely hits home a little more," said Holly Judge, SUNY Geneseo student.

"I'm a senior too and we were all going to graduate in May, so it's really sad to hear that she died," said Kristelle Cadeno, SUNY Geneseo student.

The school said Kavanaugh was a 2006 graduate of Starpoint High School in Lockport and was a senior communications major at Geneseo.

GM gets Proactive to Prevent Unintended Acceleration

Via MattarMedia DETROIT - General Motors says it will install a new brake safety measure that can prevent unintended acceleration on all its new vehicles worldwide by 2012.

The step comes as federal regulators consider making the system mandatory on cars and trucks after Toyota's big problems with vehicles that can speed out of control.

A brake override reduces power to the engine when the driver steps on both the brake and accelerator. It should also slow a vehicle if the gas pedal is stuck.

GM has not had major problems with unintended acceleration, but says the safety measure is meant to reassure drivers.

Drunk Man Intentionally Drives Car into Firehouse

Via MattarMedia BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo Police say a drunk driver intentionally rammed his vehicle into a fire station.

28-year-old Colin Billingsley faces several charges including DWI and aggravated criminal contempt. Investigators say a female passenger suffered non-life threatening injuries when he drove into the the firehouse at Jefferson and Kingsley around 11:30 Sunday night.

Cop Responding to City Shooting Flips Car in 4-Car Crash

Via MattarMedia - A Rochester police officer is recovering Wednesday after flipping his cruiser in a 4 car crash.

He was responding to a shooting on Grace Street just before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. When he crossed through the intersection of Portland Ave and Draper Street, a car smashed into the cruiser. That sent the cruiser spinning and it hit a third car and flipped over. A fourth car was hit. All four cars were damaged.

The officer was taken to Strong Hospital for back pain. The other three drivers were taken to Rochester General Hospital. All are expected to be okay.

Drunk driver slams into school bus

Via MattarMedia BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo Police say a drunk driver slammed into a school bus at East Ferry and Stevens Avenue.

Three people were injured. No children were on the bus. The accused driver's name has not been released.

Dispute Between Drivers Ends in Car Crash

Via MattarMedia - Rochester police say a dispute between two drivers ended when one of the vehicles flipped over.

Officers responded to a crash at Remington Street and Avenue A shortly after noon Sunday.

Police said the drivers were involved in some sort of fight when one of the drivers swerved at the other, causing the car to hit a curb and flip over.

A young child, who was in the car that flipped, was taken to Strong Hospital as a precaution; the child was checked out and is fine.

Police are still determining if charges will be filed.

NYPD crackdown on drivers on phones nets 3,700

Via MattarMedia NEW YORK CITY - Police have sent a message to more than 3,700 drivers they say were talking or texting behind the wheel in New York City: Hang up.

The New York Police Department issued 3,753 summonses for using hand-held cell phones while driving during the first 18 hours of a daylong crackdown Thursday. Each ticket carries a fine of up to $150.

The department says it issued an average of 617 summonses a day last year for cell-phone offenses.

Buffalo NY Mayor Makes Pothole Promise

Via MattarMedia BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) - The City of Buffalo is taking aggressive action to battle its pothole problems.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has pledged to fill all potholes reported within 48 hours.

Potholes are most numerous in the spring season, and even though our mild winter has produced fewer this year, the damage they can cause is still severe.

Watch the video to see the full report.

Black ice blamed for many crashes in Buffalo

Via MattarMedia - Police radios were crackling through the morning rush hour today, with vehicles sliding off roads and barreling into each other, slowing traffic and causing several accidents on main thoroughfares.
The culprit was black ice, that hard-to-see phenomenon that tricks drivers on sun-splashed days like today.

"We had numerous accidents all over the place, due to the road conditions," Town of Hamburg Senior Public Safety Dispatcher Tom Taylor said. "We're in the process of clearing them all up."

Another observer called it "a banner day for collision shops," although there were few, if any, reports of serious injuries in the crashes.

Some highway ramps were closed this morning, and lane closures were common as commuters inched forward in some spots.

Racing driver flips car in Columbia County

Via MattarMedia CLAVERACK - One of two drivers racing on State Route 217 in Claverack flipped a car Saturday morning, according to state police.

The accident happened at about 11:50 a.m.

The driver of a 1994 Ford Mustang - Jeromy Jennings, 25, of Philmont - lost control of his car and flipped over, landing in a ditch, police said.

He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center with chest injuries.

His passenger - Melissa Hally, 29, of Saugerties - was brought to Columbia Memorial Hospital with possible neck injures.

Police are still looking for the driver of the other car - said to be a white Corvette, according to witness reports.

More questions raised over Prius accident

Via MattarMedia WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. - It's the wrecked 2005 Toyota Prius that Toyota has been waiting to get its hands on.

Under tents and hooked to machines in a parking lot behind the Harrison Police Department, investigators from the company got their first look. It was last week when police say the car's driver told them she crashed into a wall after the car accelerated all by itself.

“If it is a problem with the car we want to find it and fix it,” said Wade Hoyt, Toyota Northeast Public Affairs Director.

Toyota spokesman Wade Hoyt says technicians were able to recover information from the car's data recorder. Hoyt says from that data, technicians should be able to find out how fast the car was going at impact and if either the accelerator or brakes were pushed.

“If everything in the car is working correctly, the brakes will override the engine, in cars that have a brake override feature it will do it automatically,” said Hoyt.

Police said last week’s driver error did not appear to cause the accident, but Wednesday stepped back a bit saying investigators had not ruled any cause out. Hoyt says Toyota remains confident it is not an electrical problem and Acting Police Chief Anthony Marraccinni says the recovered data may not fill in all the blanks.

“I am not sure we are going to have conclusive information as to what caused this accident,” said Police Chief Anthony Marraccinni.

Marraccinni says it will take some time to go over the data and the department has hired independent forensic technicians to help investigators understand the collected information.