Blockbuster Sued Over Facebook Ads

A Texas woman has filed a lawsuit against Blockbuster Inc. over claims her rights were violated through Facebook.com's Beacon advertising system. Cathryn Elaine Harris of Dallas County, Texas, says Beacon obtained her movie renting and buying history through Blockbuster, violating the Video Privacy Protection Act. She is seeking $2,500 per violation.

• Facebook Ads Launched: New Targeted Ad Platform
• Ad Controversy: Facebook's Beacon a Hot Topic

This isn't the first time Beacon has been at the center of controversy. When the program launched in November 2007, Facebook members found their travel plans, movie ticket purchases and other private information showing up on their Facebook profiles automatically. Facebook maintains that its members can opt out of this type of information being shared at any time.

Vote in the poll: Is Facebook's Beacon ad system an effective advertising tool or do you think it's a violation of the user's privacy?

• Effective Advertising Tool
• Violation of the User's Privacy

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