How to Stop Companies From Collecting and Selling Your Facebook Info

If you want to keep a secret, don’t put any trace of it online. That’s something ex-CIA director David Petraeus just learned the hard way. But our lives are increasingly digital, and the government recognizes it.

In July, Congress asked nine data brokerage firms – including credit reporting agencies – what consumer information they collect, how they do it, and whether they sell it to third parties. On Nov. 8, it released those companies’ responses.

You can read the lengthy original letters and the responses here, but investigative journalism site ProPublica sums things up nicely in their article Yes, Companies Are Harvesting – and Selling – Your Facebook Profile:

Data companies of course, do not stop with the information on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Intelius, which offers everything from a reverse phone number look up to an employee screening service, said it also collects information from Blogspot, WordPress, MySpace, and YouTube.

This information includes individual email addresses and screen names, web site addresses, interests, and professional history, Intelius said. It offers a “Social Network Search” on its website that allows you to enter someone’s name and see a record of social media URLs for that person.

And that’s just the start. Companies like Acxiom collect likes, shares, and recommendations to build out a profile of consumers on behalf of their clients – something they say benefits consumers. (In return for our data, they say, we get cheap or free access to services like Facebook and more relevant advertising.) In its response to Congress, Acxiom [PDF] said its clients in 2009 included the following…

• 47 Fortune 100 clients
  
• 8 of the top 10 credit card issuers
  
• 4 of the top 5 retail banks
  
• 7 of the top 10 telecom/media companies
  
• 5 of the top 10 retailers
  
• 7 of the top 10 automotive manufacturers
  
• 3 of the top 10 brokerage firms
  
• 6 of the top 10 technology companies
  
• 3 of the top 5 pharmaceutical manufacturers
  
• 4 of the top 10 life/health insurance providers
  
• 7 of the top 10 property and casualty insurers
  
• 7 of the top 10 lodging companies
  
• 3 of the top 5 domestic airlines
  
• 6 of the top 10 U.S. hotels
  
• 4 of the top 5 gaming companies
  
• 5 of the 13 largest U.S. federal government agencies
  
• Both major national political parties

Just how much are we worth to these companies? And is there anything we can do about how they get and use our info?

Fixing your privacy settings

The answer to both questions might come from a relatively new tool (released last month) called Privacyfix. It’s a browser plug-in for Firefox and Chrome that analyzes your privacy settings across data-rich social networking sites like Google and Facebook, and any other websites you’ve visited.

When you first install it, you’ll be greeted with a page that tells you what percentage of sites you’ve visited Facebook tracks (for me, 86 percent) and an estimate of how much you’re worth to Facebook per year (just $3.32 here – sorry, Zuckerberg).

Along the right side, you’ll see a number of settings you can “fix,” and each will be explained as you move your cursor over it. These include excluding your Facebook profile from search engine results, blocking your friends from inadvertently sharing your personal information, making your postings private (visible only to friends) by default, and so on. Clicking on any of these will take you step-by-step through the process, explaining why you would want to change the setting and what the potential downside is. You don’t have to “fix” anything you don’t want to, and you can always undo the changes.

When you’re ready to go to the next section, you’ll see a blue “next” button below the right-side column of Facebook issues you can fix. Or, in a bar along the top, you can skip to whatever section you want.

You’ll go through similar Google settings next. (Google tracks data on 37 percent of websites I visit and makes around $1,174 per year from ads at my activity level.) Then, you’ll move on to a list of other websites you’ve visited, categorized by icon into “Websites sharing data” and “Websites with other issues.”

The fix button here lets you automatically generate an email letter requesting the removal of your personal information on every site you specify. Meanwhile, moving your cursor over any icon shows you the particular problems with that site – for instance, whether it shares information with third parties, whether it notifies you about it, and whether it is known to honor deletion requests.

Just because a website’s icon is on the list doesn’t mean it’s bad: Many of mine say “personal data is not generally shared” and “deletion requests are honored” with green checkmarks, and usually the only red caution mark is next to “no assurance of notice if data is requested.” But if that data is not shared, I’m not too concerned about hypothetical notices.

Next you’ll go to a page on cookies, tiny files stored on your computer that can keep you logged into sites, save your preferences, store passwords, or do what Privacyfix is worried about: track you. The tool can help you delete these cookies in a snap.

It can also help you block them from tracking you in the future. However, this fix involves using a signal called Do Not Track, which may cause some websites to not load correctly, or sometimes at all. It took me a while to realize this was the culprit, so I wouldn’t recommend turning the feature on unless you’re sure to remember it can cause problems. (Some also argue that enabling Do Not Track will cut into advertising revenue sites depend on to operate, and ultimately make them charge users or put them out of business.)

The last section of Privacyfix is Healthbar. Enabling it will add an icon to the top of your browser which you can click to access a dashboard which can quickly check a website’s privacy flaws, delete cookies, provide a history of privacy concerns (on Facebook, it points to data exposures and a government settlement over privacy promises), or fiddle with any of the settings you previously adjusted. The color of the icon will change depending on the relative privacy of the website – sites Privacyfix thinks handle your info smartly will be marked green, while riskier sites will turn the icon partially or completely orange.

Privacyfix isn’t doing much savvy computer users can’t do themselves, but it is making complicated privacy issues a lot simpler to navigate for the rest of us. Even if you’ve tried to figure out Facebook’s crazy privacy options on your own, you might find this exercise eye-opening – I sure did.

More from Money Talks News

• 6 Free Ways to Protect Your Identity
  
• 4 New Ideas for Protecting Your Online Privacy
  
• 3 Tips to Prevent Identity

By Brandon Ballenger | Money Talks News

How to Stop Companies From Collecting and Selling Your Facebook Info

How to winter-proof your home

Winter can provide a much-needed respite from mowing and watering grass in sweltering summer temperatures and constantly swatting small, annoying insects. So now that the temperature is dropping, you might be planning to spend all of your free time on the sofa watching TV.

But don't pick up that remote just yet. There are six home improvement projects you really need to tackle in order to get ready for the winter. The good news? Unlike your grass - which requires constant mowing and watering - if you perform these winter projects now, you can relax on the sofa for years to come.

Must-Do Project #1: Replace Your Roof

Is your roof older than your college-age kids? If so, you may want to replace your roof now - while the weather isn't too harsh.

In fact, while you may have only minimal leaks or damage now, if you wait until the middle of winter, a severe snow or ice storm can exert enough pressure to cause the roof to collapse.

But how can you tell if your roof needs replacing?
Home improvement expert Jeanne Huber recommends replacing the roof if it's older than 20 years or if the majority of the roof has seen better days.

[Time to replace your aging roof? Click here to find a home contractor today.]
Huber, who writes a weekly home improvement column for The Washington Post, notes some early warning signs to observe:

• Inside the house there may be water stains on the heater, damp areas around the fireplace, and dark spots on the ceiling; in addition, there may be peeling paint underneath the roof overhang.
• Outside, look for buckled shingles, cracks in the caulk and rusted flashing, in addition to an accumulation of asphalt in the gutters. Also, the presence of moss may signal that the roof is decaying.

If Huber has just described your roof, it's time to consider replacing it.

Must-Do Project #2: Install Heated Floors

If you cringe at the thought of icy-cold feet during the winter, installing heated floors is a must-do project that will increase your comfort level and save on heating costs.

In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builder's (NAHB) article "LSC Members Provide Green Heating Choices for Energy-conscious Consumers," radiant floor heating systems allow homeowners to be comfortable at temperatures 6 to 8 degrees lower than the homeowners who use forced heating systems, based on studies conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Sounds great, but what the heck is radiant floor heating, you ask? Essentially, heated cables or tubes secured to mats are installed under a floor composed of an inert material such as tile or stone, according to the DIY Network. The heat is powered on and off by a programmable thermostat.

[Want a toasty floor this winter? Click here to find a contractor in your area.]
Another benefit of heated flooring is that you will have a healthier home, adds the DIY Network. How? Dust will not be blown around your home - as it would with a central heating system - and there will be no place for allergens to accumulate.

If you want to enjoy toasty feet and a clean home this winter, consider the versatility provided by heated flooring.

Must-Do Project #3: Fix/Replace Your Heater

The worst snowstorm of the century is not the time to find out there's a problem with your heating or ventilation system. Take precautionary measures now so your heating system won't fail you when you need it most.

A heating system should be regularly serviced by a professional who can ensure that everything is working properly. If you don’t get your heater checked, the ASHRAE warns that accumulations of dirt on the coils, fans, and filters will hinder airflow and can possibly damage the system.

ASHRAE also recommends taking some preventative measures of your own. Here are a few inspections you can make before your heating system starts working full-time this winter:

• Check heating ducts for leaks and patch them with the proper certified tape from your local hardware store.
• Check water tanks for insulation. For older models without insulation, ASHRAE recommends placing an insulating jacket around the tank, taking into consideration manufacturer recommendations of course. The first six feet of pipes connected to the water heater should also be insulated.
• Examine your home for furniture or objects that obstruct vents or radiators, which can reduce or block the flow of heat, notes ASHRAE.

If you're still having trouble with your heating system, or if you find yourself in over your head during inspections, it's best to contact a heating and ventilation professional.

Must-Do Project #4: Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Before the frigid weather arrives, you'll also want to make sure that your windows are an effective barrier against the harsh effects of winter.

For example, if your windows are old and inefficient, they are providing an avenue for a considerable amount of heat to exit the house. As if that weren't a good enough reason to consider replacing them, the Department of Energy adds that an estimated 10 to 25 percent of your heating bill is the direct result of heat seeping out of your windows.

Before making a window purchase, however, the Department of Energy suggests studying energy performance ratings. Also look for ENERGY STAR certified windows, which provide a minimum energy performance rating criteria by climate.

[Have your old, drafty windows seen better days? Click here to find the right contractor for the job.]
You might consider making the switch from single-pane to double-pane windows, says the Energy Department. Double-pane windows, of course, provide more insulation, which helps keep warm air inside the house.

Must-Do Project #5: Insulate Pipes

Because plumbing pipes are vulnerable to bursting during winter months, insulating them is another must-do winter project. But how do you know which pipes need to wear sweaters this winter?
Homeowners should be concerned of pipes when the temperature is at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below, says the Building Research Council (BRC) in an article published by the Weather Channel. However, even if the temperature doesn't dip that low, your pipes could still be in danger.

Why? The BRC discovered that in some cases, pipes can burst as a result of other climate elements. For example, on a windy day, cold wind can enter through cracks in a wall and cool uninsulated pipes to their breaking point.

Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, or on outside walls are more vulnerable, warns the BRC, especially if they are located on outside walls that have holes for the cable or telephone lines.
So what can you do to help shield your pipes?

The Weather Channel recommends wrapping them in rubber foam or fiberglass sleeves. In addition, caulk holes in areas near the pipes where air can flow in.

If you're still worried that your little pipes might not be able to make it through the winter, a plumber may be able to reroute exposed pipes to a more protected location - so you don't have any surprises this winter.

Must-Do Project #6: Fireproof Your Home

The winter months pose the greatest threat for electrical house fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration's "Factsheet on Home Electrical Fire Prevention." December and January have the highest incidences of fire because people tend to be indoors more often and use more lighting and heating during this time.

Most electrical fires are the result of old wiring problems with cords, or overloaded circuits. Fortunately, the U.S. Fire Administration provides preventative maintenance tips that can protect against many electrical wiring problems:

• Examine your appliances and replace any worn or ragged cords.
• Never place appliances on wet countertops or floors. Be careful with kitchen and bathroom appliances.
• Don't overload extension cords and wall outlets.
• Keep flammable material such as clothing and curtains at least three feet from portable heaters.
• Use childproof electrical outlet covers if you have small children.
• Call an electrician if your lights are flickering or if you have a cracked wall outlet.

Electrical problems should be taken care of as soon as possible to prevent the possibility of fires.

Avoid costly, unexpected surprises by making sure your home can withstand a harsh winter.

By Terri Williams

How to winter-proof your home - Yahoo! Homes

The shifting ­production of crowns and bridges | Dental Products Report

Crown units per month

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Bridges units per month

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Observed Change in CAD/CAM All-Ceramic

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CAD/CAM Market Share

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Alloy materials market share

The data in this article is from the Key Group’s 2011 U.S. Dental Laboratory Market Assessment and Trends Report. The Key Group is a leading global health care market research firm specializing in primary market research, Web-centric surveys and market intelligence. For more information on this report or any of the services contact 800-816-KEY1 (800-816-5391) or info@keygroupresearch.com.

Modern day dental laboratories are currently operating in a constantly evolving environment. New technologies and changes in preferred materials are altering the way dental labs operate and produce various restorations. Additionally, the rise in the dental implant category has added to the shift in the U.S. dental lab’s production mix. Even with these changes, crown and bridge production still makes up a dominant part of the core dental lab manufacturing output, as a typical dental lab will produce an average of 350 crowns and 112 bridge units in a month.

Market factors
A variety of current market dynamics have increased the overall demand for higher production throughout and quicker turnaround of crowns and bridges. Factors such as the rise in life expectancy in the United States have greatly driven the need for more crowns and bridges in our senior demographics. In addition, the obsession with the cosmetic value of a “good smile” through reality TV shows and Hollywood style icons has increased the demand for esthetic dentistry in the United States.

Crown and bridge restorations were typically driven by optimal dental structure and support, but now patients expect to achieve enhanced esthetics with their dental restorations. Technologies, offshore manufacturing, a changing labor pool and new preferred materials will continue to impact the production of crowns and bridges.

Over the past year, growth in digital dentistry continued to play an important role, with CAD/CAM all-ceramic crown and bridge production in dental labs increasing 2.9% when compared with the previous year.

Impact by lab size
Approximately half of larger sized labs have completely embraced the CAD/CAM technologies (both scanners and milling systems) in their labs, as this technology serves as a competitive advantage against offshore outsourcing. This technology actually creates new and more desirable jobs, as the software requires digital designers to work alongside the equipment.

Furthermore, for these larger labs, CAD/CAM technology has the capability to lower production costs when used on a daily basis. Web portals between dental labs and dentists have made it easier to process crown and bridge orders, creating a more cost effective and convenient solution for both labs and dentists. As dental labs continue to incorporate CAD/CAM technology, they also will produce more crown and bridge restorations without added labor costs.

However, smaller labs are slower to adopt the technology, as roughly 40% indicate they outsource all CAD/CAM restorations. This outsourcing strategy allows smaller labs to offer various CAD/CAM all-ceramic solutions without the initial capital expenditure.

Materials shift
As the market research indicates, the dental lab industry is witnessing a steady shift from porcelain fused to metal (PFMs) to all-ceramic crowns and bridges as materials and CAD/CAM systems continue to improve. The use of metal in dental restorations also has raised a variety of concerns because metal-based crowns can cause tissue sensitivity and allergic reactions in some people, and they lack the esthetic properties of all-ceramics.

In the last few years, the shift away from PFMs has been accelerated by the rising cost of precious metals. But, even as all-ceramics grow, PFMs still account for more than half of the crown and bridge restorations. To compete, labs have migrated from High Noble to Noble and Non-Precious alloys, with only 38% of PFMs using High Noble alloy.

Over the coming years, crown and bridge production will continue to evolve as the market dynamics change. A constantly evolving world of technology, increased life expectancies and emphasis on dental esthetics will continue to influence patient requests, dental restorative solutions offered by the dentist and the way dental labs operate. Dental laboratories will continue to adapt to meet the needs of their customers.

Thu, 2011-09-01 05:38 | Alexis Martino, Market Research Analyst, The Key Group

Analysis of the market for crown and bridge products from the Key Group’s 2011 U.S. Dental Laboratory Market Assessment and Trends Report.

The shifting ­production of crowns and bridges | Dental Products Report

Map shows how states will implement the new online insurance markets

 

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Map shows how states will implement the new online insurance markets

States reveal their choices on Obama's health law

WASHINGTON (AP) — After two years of political battles and a Supreme Court case, many if not most states are expected to tell the federal government Friday if they're willing carry out a key part of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

 

At issue is the creation of new health insurance markets, where millions of middle-class households and small businesses will shop for private coverage. The so-called exchanges will open for business Jan. 1, 2014, and most of their customers will be eligible for government subsidies to help pay premiums. The exchanges will also steer low-income people into expanded Medicaid programs, if states choose to broaden their safety net coverage.

Thursday evening, the Obama administration responded to a request for more time from Republican governors by granting states a month's extension, until Dec. 14.

Ahead of the original deadline, a check by The Associated Press found that 21 states plus the District of Columbia, have already indicated they want to become involved, either by building and running their own exchanges or partnering with Washington. The 16 that want to build their own exchanges, plus the District of Columbia, face a Jan. 1 deadline for the federal government to approve their plans.

This group of 16 includes mainly Democratic-led states such as California and New York, but also some Republican-led ones such as Mississippi and New Mexico.

Five other states have signaled they want to partner with the federal government. Those states would handle consumer issues and oversight of health plans in the exchanges, while the feds do the heavy lifting by enrolling individuals for coverage and determining who's eligible for government assistance. Among these states are Arkansas and North Carolina.

The number of partnership states could grow significantly, since the Obama administration has given states until next February to decide on that option. As of Thursday, 16 states indicated that they were weighing their options and have not made a final decision.

Among those, Ohio and Tennessee were considering the partnership route. And in Florida, Republican Gov. Rick Scott is now saying he wants to find a way to work with the federal government after years of steadfastly opposing Obama's overhaul.

Finally, 13 states have indicated they will default to the federal government, allowing Washington to set up and run their exchanges. The health care law provided that the feds would run exchanges in states that were not ready or willing to do so. In this group are states whose Republican governors have staunchly opposed the law, including Texas, Louisiana and South Carolina.

Obama's election victory guaranteed the survival of his health care law, which is eventually expected to provide coverage to more than 30 million people through the exchanges and expanded Medicaid programs. It was the final hurdle, after the Supreme Court upheld a legal challenge from 26 states. In the aftermath of the election, some Republican state leaders say it's time to accept the law.

"I don't like it; I would not vote for it; I think it needs to be repealed. But it is the law," said Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, after announcing that his state wants to set up its own exchange. "If you default to the federal government, you forever give the keys to the state's health insurance market to the federal government."

Traditionally, states have regulated the private health insurance market.

But other Republican-led states say they don't have enough information to make a decision at this point and are clamoring for the Obama administration to release major regulations that have been bottled up for months.

"States are struggling with many unanswered questions and are not able to make comprehensive far-reaching decisions prudently," Govs. Bob McDonnell of Virginia and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana wrote Obama earlier this week. They asked for a meeting with the president, as well as a postponement of the original Nov. 16 deadline.

Some of their main concerns are hidden costs of operating the exchanges and the sheer bureaucratic complexity of the new system. The Obama administration has steadfastly maintained it will not postpone the Jan. 1, 2014, launch date for the law's coverage expansion. Open enrollment for exchange plans will begin even sooner, Oct. 1, 2013.

Policy experts in Washington are noticing the shift.

"I think it's a very practical decision for states now," said Alan Weil, executive director of the nonpartisan National Academy for State Health Policy. "We are going to have a significant number of states running their own exchanges, a significant number where the federal government is running the exchange and a significant number of partnerships. The bottom line is, we are going to have to figure out how to make all three models work."

Although the public remains divided about the health care law, the idea of states running the new insurance markets is popular, especially with Republicans and political independents. A recent AP poll found that 63 percent of Americans would prefer states to run the exchanges, with 32 percent favoring federal control.

The breakdown among Republicans was 81 percent to 17 percent in favor of state control, while independents lined up 65-28 for states taking the lead. Democrats were almost evenly divided, with a slim majority favoring state control.

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR

States reveal their choices on Obama's health law