A Social Media Snapshot:The Spy Who Shew Too Much

In a story that could be a sub-plot in a social media-themed James Bond flick, the newly designated head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (the MI6), has had detailed information about him, his family, friends, and home posted on the Internet for all to see. Not a good scenario for someone who must live in the shadowy, super-secret world of the spy trade.

How did it happen you ask? Did an Octopussy-like villan intercept his tweets? Was he "friended" by Jaws on FaceBook? No, but his wife, Lady Shelley Sawers, uploaded all of this information to a public-facing Facebook page sans privacy protection. (Even with privacy settings in place it may not have been a good idea.)

Though the information was quickly pulled, the damage was done. Any one of 200 million Facebook users could access the information which contained family vacation photos, photos of friends, many of whom are diplomats, the Sawers' flat in London--you get the idea. The mistep may keep Sir John Sawers from assuming the top spy job, as it raises serious doubts about his ability to perform that job.

Hey, even spies have lives, wives (or husbands), and the very human need to share special moments with friends and family. Social media is the great enabler, a veritable toolbox of applications to keep family and friends tethered and in touch. Except when your life and the lives of those around you could be jeopardized.

We can learn a valuable lesson from the Sawers' revealing experience. Social media has a dark side that can be the arch rival of privacy, and while you may not earn your living in the shadows, there may be moments from your life that should remain there.

Miss Moneypenny would be horrified. Read more...