Celebs advised to claim personalized Facebook URL early to avoid cybersquatters
14 Jun 2009, 1008 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Washington, June 14 With Facebook offering personalized URLs for its users, a media expert suggests that organizations, celebrities and politicians better claim theirs early, otherwise they may later have to battle cyber squatters.

"Generally speaking the best defense against cybersquatting and/or potential malicious use of a famous name is to register accounts in your company's name on new social media sites as soon as they emerge," says Susan Jacobson, of Temple University's journalism department.

"Waiting for a service to catch on or to become newsworthy is waiting too long. Cybersquatters will start registering names as soon as they become aware of a new service. While it is possible to get your name back, it will take some time and could be costly," she adds.

Jaconson points out that the same problems were observed during the early days of the Internet: regular citizens would rush to buy domain names, and then sell them to celebrities for millions of dollars.

She thinks that famous name Facebook users are going to be interested in the vanity URLs because it will make it easier for non-Facebook users to find them.

According to her, those Facebook users who restrict access to their information may find it more convenient for their friends to connect to them with the vanity URLs, but their friends will still have to log in to see their restricted information. (ANI)

Related Latest

Bhaichung injured, advised three-week rest 'Karthik Calling Karthik' release shifted to avoid clash with 'Teen Patti' Micro-endoscope to spot early signs of cancer on the anvil Many pregnant African women avoid HIV screening Japanese Bank gives staff early leave to make babies! Sensex 111 points down early afternoon Facebook refuses to embed 'report abuse' button Italian PM rules out early elections Stephen Fry says Twitter frees celebs from relying on media Rajnath may quit early if there is consensus on his successor

Related Latest

As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, India will not redraw borders: Singh Pakistan has not done enough on the Mumbai terror attacks: Manmohan Singh No apprehension about US viewing India differently: Manmohan Singh Winters leave Ladakh out of bound, make stocking of food material a must Eco-friendly vehicles rally held in Delhi People worship Highway Goddess for safe journey in Chennai Lucknow Zoo authorities treating tiger for cancer Hussey ready to cop criticism, but will let bat do the talking PAC supports idea of making Pak Army's financial records public Pak heading towards 'demographic disaster', warn experts

• Pakistan has not done enough on the Mumbai terror attacks: Manmohan Singh
• As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, India will not redraw borders: Singh
• No apprehension about US viewing India differently: Manmohan Singh
• Lucknow Zoo authorities treating tiger for cancer
• Winters leave Ladakh out of bound, make stocking of food material a must

• भारतीय क्रिकेट की मजबूत दीवार
• कंगारूओं के आगे ढेर, चीतों से कैसे मुकाबला करेंगें शेर
• Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow global warming
• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights