2) How much is the data Facebook has (the social graph, demographic information) worth to third parties?
To the right third party -- very. One sinister example is the government. Nice way to track dissenters, or round up everyone of religion/political party/group X, ala WWII.
Trying to get away, because of deserting the army/dodging the draft/avoiding arrest for civil disobedience? They have a convenient list of all your friends and family you might stay with.
Did you win the lottery? Someone can worm their way into your social circle by befriending the right people on your list. Or an entrepreneur might get an introduction to a VC that way.
But the main thing is it can be abused to surveil people. Do you trust your government?
To the right third party -- very. One sinister example is the government. Nice way to track dissenters, or round up everyone of religion/political party/group X, ala WWII.
Trying to get away, because of deserting the army/dodging the draft/avoiding arrest for civil disobedience? They have a convenient list of all your friends and family you might stay with.
Did you win the lottery? Someone can worm their way into your social circle by befriending the right people on your list. Or an entrepreneur might get an introduction to a VC that way.
But the main thing is it can be abused to surveil people. Do you trust your government?