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Why you should NOT install ‘Fun & Entertaining’ Facebook applications

26
Jan
2012

We often have readers ask us questions about specific Facebook applications. Some apps generate an enormous amount of spam and can annoy the heck out of your Facebook friends. Others are outright scams and should be avoided entirely. For example, any application offering to show you who has viewed your profile, who your Facebook stalkers are etc., are guaranteed to be fraudulent. Facebook doesn’t allow developers access to the data required to create apps like this.

There are a couple of things you should know about third party Facebook applications. First off, there is no formal review process for applications or developers on the Facebook platform. Anyone and everyone (scammers included) can create apps. This is far different from the “Walled Garden” approach taken by Apple. Many unsuspecting users might be under the impression that if it’s on Facebook then it must be legitimate. That is totally not the case.

The majority of Facebook applications that virally spread on the platform are questionable at best (virally here means spreading quickly and not that it necessarily contains a virus.) If you click on the info tab of the application and there is nothing known about the developer, then we highly recommend that you do not proceed with the install. For your maximum safety and protection, it is essential that you only install apps from trusted, well known sources.

Even applications that appear harmless and fun can pose potential privacy risks to you and your Facebook friends. Some of these apps require you to enter your birthday or they access your complete profile information. For example, here is the application permission screen for a popular app on Facebook right now:

Do you really want an anonymous person to have this much access to your account information? Scammers can and do mine Facebook accounts for information they can later use for identity theft and other fraudulent purposes.

Also keep in mind that any application beginning with https://apps.facebook.com/*insert_app_name_here was not developed by Facebook, and installing the application hands over your account data (based on application permissions) to the developer.

Apart from the spam and scams, there are literally thousands of applications on the Facebook platform that fall within a grey area. It is best to go to the actual application page located on Facebook to investigate it further.

Once you are on the application page, here is a list of things you should check out before choosing to install the app:

  1. Who developed the application? 99% of the apps we are asked to review by our readers have absolutely no information provided on the ‘info’ tab of the app in question.
  2. How many people are using the application and how are the reviews? Don’t go by sheer numbers alone. We have seen rogue applications quickly garner thousands of users. Check out the user reviews and wall postings on the application page.
  3. How Intrusive is the application? How much of my personal data is required by the developer?

If the app in question fails any of the tests above, then we recommend that you do not install it. The risk is definitely not worth it.

If you have installed some questionable or rogue apps, we have created the following guide that shows you how to remove them from your Facebook account:

How to protect your Facebook account from Rogue Applications.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider before proceeding with the installation of a Facebook app. Always ask yourself if the personal data you are giving to the developer worth any potential benefit the app may provide. 99% of the time the answer is most likely to be a resounding NO!

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