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Facebook defended its use of targeted ads before a Congressional hearing today.  The site insisted that using its users’ profiles to allow advertisers to target specific demographics and audiences was not a violation of privacy because no personally identifiable data is shared.

“In offering its free service to users, Facebook is dedicated to developing advertising that is relevant and personal without invading users’ privacy, and to giving users more control over how their personal information is used in the online advertising environment,” read the remarks for two subcommittees of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The site is no stranger to privacy concerns having weathered storms of outrage over the news feed introduction in 2006, the Beacon ad program in 2007, and TOS revisions earlier this year.  It has always been swift to make corrections and offer apologies however.

The ads on Facebook do seem to be getting more and more annoying though.  Just this week I’ve seen tacky “Slap Susan Boyle” banners, flashing sidebars screaming that I’m a winner, and of course those really charming “3 of your friends think you’re an idiot!” ads.

I know the site needs to make money but they really should be more selective in what ads they allow.  There’s at least one that can be considered downright malicious, and that’s the IQ test mentioned above.  Not only does it tell you your friends think you’re an idiot, it uses their pics with fake results to make you think they took the test and are truly challenging you.  Clicking on the ad brings you to a site that won’t let you leave without several irritating pop ups urging you to stay and even worse, you have to give your cell phone number to get your test results - and guess what?  Doing so rewards you with a $9.99 charge on your cell phone.  Very deceptive and downright sleazy.  Come on Facebook, clean up your advertising act!

Read [CNet]