Unknown and Weird Regulations Around the World

Have you ever wondered that you might do something illegal when you traveling, without knowing it? It might seems weird, but some countries have regulations that are not known to the tourists. What is more, sometimes can even get someone in jail or at least, has to pay a fine!

It is important for all tourist to have in mind that several restrictions and local norms are extremely different from country to country. Thus, it would be better before visiting a specific destination, to know about their various set of laws in order to avoid any trouble.

British Foreign Affairs Office notes that the majority of the tourists who came across with ‘’illegal activities’’ have traveled at Netherlands, Italy and United Arabic Emirates!

Thus, we present you some of these unique and not so-known policies and regulations:

Netherlands: Although in Netherlands is legal to use ‘’soft drugs’’, is only allowed to use them in certain places! The possession of any illegal drugs or their purchase outside this places can get someone in prison!

Venice: In Venice, it is illegal to feed pigeons in public areas. If you caught feeding them, you have to pay a large fine.

Japan: It is illegal currying with you any nasal sprays that contain pseudoephedrine.

Barcelona: It is against the law to wear a bikini, swimsuit or walk around topless if you are not around the coast.

Singapore: You are going to get a fine if you are chewing a gum while using any local public transportation.

Thailand: Is against the law to import more than 200 cigarettes from Thailand. You are not only going to pay a large fine but also your cigarettes are going to be confiscated

Italy (Florence): You are not allowed to sit on stairs or around yards. Also is illegal eating or drinking around churches and public buildings. Some of these fines are said to be really expensive!

Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia you are prohibited to take photos of any government buildings, military bases and palaces. In case you caught by police taking pictures of these places, you are going to get arrested!

Nigeria: Even this seems to be really strange, it is illegal to carry with you still bottled water!

Fiji: Do not sunbath topless!

Maldives: Tourist and non locals are not allowed to engage with any religious activities other than Islam.

By: Progress On 06:03

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Cheap flights and their principles - Why are they so cheap?

There are several low cost airlines around the world. However, all differ in their service and what they offer but many of them are following specific principles in order to lower their costs and gain money.

For all those wondering why some airlines are cheaper than others, we present you some of their key principles and we explain how do they manage to offer cheap flight tickets to travelers.

• Standardized fleet: This might include lower training, lower maintenance costs, purchasing many aircrafts in order to achieve a discount.
• Another key principle is to keep only the essential features. Some of these might be reclining seats, pilot auto-throttle and frequent flyer schemes.
• They prefer to use secondary airports that cost less, in order to decrease their landing fees.
• Many low-cost airlines prefer to have many flights per day in order to be as less time on the ground as possible and pay lower airport charges.
• They also achieve to reduce their costs by not having calling centers and are only operating internet websites, where someone can book and customize a flight.
• Also online check in does not only help passengers to save time but at the same time helps companies to reduce the cost of operating desks at the airport.
• Most of these low-cost airlines impose baggage charges. Fewer bags mean faster loading of aircraft. On the other hand, extra luggage means extra revenue.
• Their staff is trained to do multiple jobs. For example, a cabin crew can also engage with checking tickets at the gate or cleaning the aircraft.
• Hedge fuel costs: With no doubt, fuel is expensive thus, they buy it in advance when it is cheaper.
• Extra features and services are charged: Some of them include on-board services, reserved seating, extra baggage, headphones, pillows etc.
• They do not use reserved seating or they just split people in groups. If any passengers want to get a ‘’good’’ seat, they pay an extra amount and they are boarded before others.
• A large number of airlines of this category charge for last minute baggage check-in.
• They are trying to reduce the weight of the aircraft through several tactics. Some of them are less baggage, very little extra fuel etc. 

Also we present you some interesting facts about low-cost airlines:

• easyJet was the first company who started charging for coffee.
• The cheaper the ticket, the less likely it is you'll be flying at a time of day that suits you.
• Ryanair is expecting to carry more than 81,5 million passengers this year.

By: Progress On 04:47

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5 of the most weird and extraordinary hotels in the world!

If you don't like simplicity and desire to experience the "extraordinary" the following hotels will take your fancy and ensure an unforgettable experience:

1. Malmaison Oxford, Oxford, UK

Old Victorian Prison has been reconstructed to a five star boutique hotel. The cells have transformed to high luxury hotel rooms with plasma TVs, comfortable beds and all the essentials for a luxury accommodation.

2. Jumboi Stay Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden

This Hostel is for all those who never had the chance to travel business class. An old Boeing 747 has transformed to a hotel with several rooms and is based in Stockholm's airport.

3. Luna Salada, Uyuni, Bolivia

Who could imagine a hotel made of salt? For those who do not like simple things and expect to come across with uniqueness.

4. Igloo Village Kakslauttanen, Lapland, Finland

Guests can choose between traditional igloos made of snow and more futuristic ones that are made of glass.

5. Cappadocia Cave Suites, Goreme, Turkey

A hotel inside a rock! This hotel is called to be one of the most luxurious and finest hotels worldwide. 

By: Progress On 04:23

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Most Common Travel Scams and Tips to Avoid

Has ever happened to you to arrive at a hotel and discover that your room which was supposed to be ''sea-view'' is actually facing the city? Have you ever checked your bill at a restaurant and noticed that it contains things that you didn't order? Such scams can not only ruin your mood but your whole vacations!

Only in the U.S., it is estimated that scammers are ''gaining'' more than $10 billion from tourists each year! Thus, we present you some of the most common tricks that many scammers are using to take advantage of several tourists around the world!

1. ''Sorry, we have run out of...''
One of the most common trick that many restaurants and hotels are using. The dish you have chosen isn’t available but... there is another one which costs more! Restaurants are using this technique to ''promote'' their more expensive dishes or to get rid of their ''not so fresh'' ones. This trick is also really common in some hotels around the world. Regular rooms are not available and you are offered to book a more luxurious and expensive one. What is more, there are some car rental companies that use this technique to steal your money. For example, the cheap car is already rented and you have to get the more expensive one. So, we suggest you to be always suspicious and cautious and when and where is possible, book everything in advance! 

2. Taxis
Taxi drivers (not all of them of course) are well known for their ingenuity when they have to collect money from their customers. Especially if you are not familiar with the area, some of them drive you all around the town, not putting on the taxi meter, charge you double tariffs etc! Perhaps, the only way to protect yourself from bad taxi-drivers  is to agree the amount before you get in the taxi. Also, avoid paying before getting to your destination!

3. Fake police
Men in police uniform or ''undercover police'' suddenly stops you and asks for your passport. They identify something suspicious or illegal and they ask you to give them money in order to get you out of trouble. In these case, the best way is to insist to go with them to the nearest police station and find out what's wrong.

4. Porters
In some airports and ports, there are ''porters'' who offer you helping you with your language. Afterwards though, they ask you to pay a really absurd amount. Sometimes, they run away and steal with your stuff before even paying. The best you can do to be safe and sure is to refuse any help from freelance porters and when is possible pre-book a taxi to pick you from the airport and help you with your luggage. 

5. Car-Rentals Scammers
Car-rental scammers overcharge you for damages that you (might) caused at the car. Always check the car for any damages or scratches before signing a contract with the company or when and where is possible, take pictures!

6. Hucksters 
Traders and Really cheap carpets, perfumes, jewelries, watches, sunglasses etc... Just remember the quote ''If something seems really cheap, then something is wrong with it''. No genuine branded pair of sunglasses costs $10!

7. The supposedly ''famous'' and ''good'' hotel
This trick is really popular in many cities around the world. Many hotels take advantage of various known hotel names. Always double check your reservation, read reviews and carry always with you your booking voucher.

8. Timeshare Apartment Scams
Sometimes these scams start even before booking your holidays. Most of the times, someone approaches you and informs you that you have won a prize! Exciting so far? However, in order to receive it you have to pass from his company’s office, where you are going to present you this ''amazing deal'' and force you (brainwash you) to buy a timeshare apartment somewhere nice and exotic! Never trust anyone, especially if something seems too good to be true! There are several websites on the internet that list some of the most known timeshare scam companies and we suggest you to make your own research before taking any decision.

9. Fake tickets
Several scammers print and sell fake tickets for everything: metro tickets, Disneyland tickets, museum tickets that look genuine and original. Prefer buying tickets from official offices and companies in order not to get in trouble.

10. Tricky terms and conditions
ALWAYS read the terms and conditions when you are going to purchase something.

By: Progress On 04:43

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10 of the Most Bike Friendly Cities in Europe

As cycling becomes an alternative way of life, a large number of cities are investing in order to become ''Bicycle Paradise''!

We hereby present you with 10 cities all over the world that are claimed to be a dream for every cyclist:

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Amsterdam with no doubt is the most popular bike-friendly city in the world! Dutch have all the necessary facilities and infrastructure in order to feel comfortable and safe cycling there.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is also another really popular bike-friendly and aims for 50% modal share! At the same time, a great number of bicycle infrastructure projects are underway, such as bicycle and pedestrian bridges, bicycle highways and more efficient bike networks.

3. Utrecht, Netherlands

A superb city in which to ride a bicycle! Utrecht is not as big as the previous cities but can be said is a world-leader among other smaller cities for showing what it can be achieved regarding bicycle traffic. 

4. Seville, Spain

When there is a will, there is a way! Just imagine that from a modal share of 0.5% in 2006, the city has achieved a 7% and aims to increase it up to 15%.

5. Bordeaux, France 

In the past 5 years, Bordeaux has invested in bike lands and cycle tracks and shows that is taking bicycle transport seriously! Their aim is to build one of the best and more friendly bicycle cities around the world. Of course, their relatively new tramway network helps that!

6. Nantes, France

Nantes was awarded as the ‘’Green Capital of Europe’’ for 2013 and is one city that takes cycling seriously! Just take into account that the city will spend €40 million on cycling infrastructure and facilities between 2009 and 2014.

7. Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is another relatively new bike-friendly city in Europe. With a modal share of 16% in the city, it is obvious that the bicycle is a major transport mode.

8. Eindhoven, Netherlands

Another really bike-friendly city in Netherlands, something that shows that Dutch know about alternative ways of transportation and how to make their cities to be more ecological.

9. Malmö, Sweden

Malmo plans to invest €47 million in the next seven years in order to boost bicycle traffic. Also its "No Ridiculous Car Trips" campaign has achieved to increase bicycle communications and modal share!

10. Berlin, Germany

Cycling in Berlin is a really important form of transport. 500,000 daily bike riders and a modal-share of 13%!

By: Progress On 06:18

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10 of the Most Beautiful Beaches Around the World!

Blue crystal clear waters, white sand, unique setting...

We have found and we present you some of the most beautiful beaches around the world!

1. Grande Anse Beach, Seychelles

2. Calabria Tropea, Southern Italy

3. Tahiti Beach, Abaco, Bahamas

4. Whitehaven,Whitsunday Island, Australia

5. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia

6. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

7. Puerto Valarta, Mexico

8. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece

9. Cinnamon Bay, St John, Virgin Islands

10. La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Spain

By: Progress On 01:50

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Cancer Survivors are Over-charged for Travel Insurance

A Money Mail investigation has revealed recently that many cancer survivors have to pay 25 times more for travel cover than they should pay. What is more, the specific research presents cases where travelers had to pay more than £2000 for a two-week holiday, when in reality the actual cost was about 90!

There are several insurers and companies who are accused for over-charging travellers and not taking into consideration factors such as stability of their situation and current health conditions! Sometimes, the price is so high that makes it impossible for them to travel or the insurance is more expensive than their holiday costs! Expensive prices sometimes make cancer survivors or cancer patients to hide their health condition as the cost is horrendous.

A key problem is that many insurance companies do not take into account recent researches that show that 4 out of 10 people with cancer survive and are able to live a normal and healthy life. They are over-charging people for treatments and services that there is a huge possibility that they might not need them.

Another major problem is the fact that insurance companies generalise when it comes to disease. There are more than 200 different types of cancer and, each patient responds to treatment very differently. Many patients also find problematic the fact that are treated as sick persons. Also, they believe that insurance companies do not ask the right questions and put all the cancer or ex-cancer patients at the same basket.

Only in UK there are more than 2million people living with cancer and 400.000 people that are clean for at least 20 years. However, they still have to pay a large amount to buy insurance while travelling and many of them find it difficult to buy insurance that covers them for a long period of time. Also, the research presents cases where insurance companies denied to offer cover for more than 90 days.

With no doubt, insurance companies should take into account that their high prices make lots of people unable to travel and some of them to risk their health, as they prefer not to buy travel cover.

By: Progress On 04:59

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11 smart solutions for simple problems!

We've all come across to problems that might wreck our day and we panic because we can't think of any effective solution to deal with them. We often give up trying and accept the fact that there's nothing else to do, however a simple internet research is most of the times lifesaving. Take a look at the list below and remember; there's always an easy way out!

1. Remove chewing gum that's stuck on your hair by brushing the specific area with vaseline or butter.
2. In order to clean the candleholder from candle drippings, put it in the freezer for 20 minutes and everything will get clean.
3. If you want to pass a thread through a needle, spray the tip of the thread with hairspray.
4. If you want to measure a specific portion of honey for a recipe, smear oil on the spoon you are going to use. The honey will not stick on the spoon.
5. Remove salts from your leather shoes by rubbing the specific area with a solution of one tablespoon of vinegar and a cup of water.
6. If your sports shoes smell really bad, sprinkle baking soda and wait for 24 hours.
7. If you want to remove the price label stickers effectively, all you have to do is to warm the area with a hairdryer.
8. If a zipper is stuck, rub the area with a pencil and the graphite will work as a lubricant.
9. To get the juice out of the oranges or lemons more effectively, roll them on the table before cutting them.
10. When you feel tired chew a cinnamon-flavoured chewing gum.
11. Save yourself from hiccups by eating a tablespoon of sugar.

By: Progress On 13:23

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Share your story with our readers!

If you love travelling and live an adventurous life, then probably you are at the right place!

Since the creation of our blog, we have been constantly trying to give useful and interesting information about travelling. Some years afterwards, we can now tell readers are satisfied by our articles’ content.

However, Perpetual Traveller wants to give the chance to young, creative and enthusiastic writers to see their name featured on our blog.

Have you ever been on a trip and can give an extra tip to the public? Have you travelled around the world and have created a collection of amazing photos? Have you ever had an unforgettable experience to remember or even to avoid?

You can now share your story with our readers and gain recognition for doing what you actually love; travelling. Your article will be posted on various Social Media Groups and will be read by thousands of people.

We welcome Guest Bloggers who want to write an original article for us to send us everything they have gathered, from photos, travel tips, reviews and many many more to the following Email Address: socialmedia@progresshq.com

Stories Mean More Only When Shared

By: Progress On 06:04

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Shocking Results from Facebook Users Behaviour Research

Recently, researchers have achieved something rather shocking.
Experts were able to accurately assume a Facebook user’s race, IQ, sexuality, substance use and political views using only their ‘likes’.

What came out from the research is that users on Facebook unintentionally reveal personal information including their sexual orientation, drug use and political beliefs.

Michal Kosinski, the lead Cambridge University analyst who worked with Microsoft Research on the study, has stated that “The important point is that, on one hand, it is good that people’s behaviour is predictable because it means Facebook can suggest very good stories on your news feed.”
“But what is shocking is that you can use the same data to predict your political views or your sexual orientation," he added.

Based on the 58,000 Facebook users behaviour, analysts were able to predict whether men were homosexual with 88% accuracy by their likes of Facebook pages, even if those users had not explicitly shared their sexuality on the site. Fewer than 5% of the homosexual participants in the study clicked obvious Likes, such as “Gay Marriage”.

Furthermore, the results are considered 75% accurate for predicting drug use among Facebook users, analyzing only public “like” updates. The findings will flare up concerns once again over how much companies and governments know about internet users through their online habits.

Online sites such as Facebook should be forced by regulation to inform users that deeply private information may be gleaned about them using the same technology that recommends films and music, he added.

The findings come shortly after Facebook announced a partnership with four of the world’s biggest data brokers aimed at improving targeted advertising on the site. The move means Facebook can target ads to its users based on their online and offline activity, including their location and high street shopping habits.

Facebook has not made any comments on the research findings yet.

By: Progress On 01:28

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Book Review: The Secret of Quantum Living

For years people have been waiting for a book that merges the abstract Eastern philosophy of inner peace with the scientific applications of quantum physics. Well, that book has finally arrived!

The Secret of Quantum Living is a straightforward guide that offers profound spiritual insights and a practical, easy-to-apply process for healing and harmonious living. Join Dr. Frank Kinslow on a journey to deep inner peace through what quantum physics call the "implicate order."

Within the pages of this powerful book, you will learn Dr. Kinslow's process of Quantum Entrainment® (QE) and discover how to enrich and enliven all areas of your life. You'll be able to resolve problems or challenges you face by applying QE to your finances, your relationships, your sex life...and even your eating, sleeping, and exercising habits. You will also uncover ways to dissolve anger issues, negative thinking, physical pain, and emotional discord. And the great news is that anyone can practice QE! It doesn't require previous training, and it's so simple that a child can do it.

The Secret of Quantum Living is fun to read and exciting to apply. You'll begin seeing results from your very first session. Give it a try....you'll be surprised how quickly the process works for you!

For more information and to buy this book click here

By: Progress On 13:17

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Russia Sets Dates for Return to Space Station

Russian space agency Roscosmos has set tentative launch dates for the next unmanned and manned missions bound for the International Space Station. The program had been on hold since an unmanned Progress cargo space craft failed to separate from its Soyuz-U carrier rocket and crashed back to Earth in Siberia in late August.

Roscosmos said it has found the source of the problem - a clogged fuel supply pipe in the Soyuz rocket. The next Progress launch is scheduled for October 30. Then if all goes as planned, a Soyuz manned mission will liftoff on November 12.

Source: planetdata.net

By: Progress On 01:31

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Jet Diverts to Athens for Bomb Threat

Apr 4, 2011 — A bomb threat forced a jet full of British tourists headed to the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh to make an emergency landing in Athens, Greece on Monday (4/4). The Thomson Airways' Boeing 757 landed safely in Athens, the 213 passengers and crew were evacuated, and the jet is being inspected.

Source: Planet Data

By: Progress On 23:48

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Southwest Airlines Looking for Fuselage Cracks in 737s

Apr 4, 2011 — Southwest Airlines on Saturday grounded dozens of its Boeing 737s, after one of them developed a large hole in its fuselagewhile in flight last Friday. The company, along with Boeing is inspecting these aircraft for "subsurface fatigue in the skin that is not visible to the eye."
The NTSB is also probing the cause of the hole and says it found additional cracks in the "lap joint along the fuselage" of the affected aircraft.
The NTSB says that Boeing has indicated that it will be drafting a Service Bulletin to address the problem, and once this is complete the FAA will make a determination whether to make it mandatory for all similar 737 airplanes.

Source: Planet Data

By: Progress On 23:46

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Avis launches iPhone app

Car hire customers can now book rentals directly from their iPhone using the new Avis app, with the added benefit of using GPS to locate the nearest Avis location.

The new app enables iPhone users to search for vehicles, obtain quotes, book rentals, store user preferences, and locate nearest Avis locations.

Other rental companies to have released iPhone apps in the last few months include Europcar, Budget, Sixt and Hertz.

For more information visit avis.co.uk/iphone_help, and for a list of car hire companies offering iPhone apps, visit the iTunes store.

Source: http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/avis-launches-iphone-app

PT Comment:

By: Progress On 00:40

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Avis launches iPhone app

Car hire customers can now book rentals directly from their iPhone using the new Avis app, with the added benefit of using GPS to locate the nearest Avis location.

The new app enables iPhone users to search for vehicles, obtain quotes, book rentals, store user preferences, and locate nearest Avis locations.

Other rental companies to have released iPhone apps in the last few months include Europcar, Budget, Sixt and Hertz.

For more information visit avis.co.uk/iphone_help, and for a list of car hire companies offering iPhone apps, visit the iTunes store.

Source:businesstraveller.com

PT comment:

By: Progress On 00:17

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Evidence Eliminator - the world's #1 PC security utility

Following our recent article on Privacy, we would like to share with you the best Security Utility that we know on the Internet > Evidence Eliminator.

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It is a proven fact routine Forensic Analysis equipment such as EnCase and F.R.E.D. used by Private and Business Investigators, Law-Enforcement and others, can recover evidence from parts of your hard drive that you thought were empty, parts that you had cleaned. 

Your hard drive might appear clean but still be full of 'sensitive material' that you did not want to download in the first place and it might very well be a Serious Criminal Offence in your country to have that data stored on your computer even if you didn't know it was still there. You could go to Jail! Pressing 'Delete' or emptying your 'Recycle Bin' - or even 'Formatting' your disk - simply will not work, the 'sensitive material' will still remain on your hard drive! 

Hiding your browsing history may give you a false sense of security, just because it looks 'Hidden', doesn't mean the evidence is gone. 

You will be held responsible for any data which you allow to remain on your computer, even if it was only by accident. Even files and Internet Searches you have made which you thought you had never "saved to disk" can be recorded as permanent evidence on your hard drive

Get Evidence Eliminator™ and Protect Yourself!  

Get total protection now. If you do not use Evidence Eliminator™ your PC is "a ticking Time Bomb waiting to go off!" Only with Evidence Eliminator™ can you get the protection you deserve, only then can you use your PC to explore the Internet with confidence.

The distinctive style and unsurpassed quality of Evidence Eliminator™ and its rapid ongoing development and success have firmly established Evidence Eliminator™ as the world's premier computer hard drive cleansing system!

Evidence Eliminator™ is a powerful and easy-to-use program, no other commercially available program can do the same job. Every day, Evidence Eliminator™ quickly and professionally deep cleans your computer of 'sensitive material', leaving you with a clean PC, a clean conscience and instant peace of mind.

Download Evidence Eliminator™ right now!

Source: Business Traveller

By: Progress On 01:45

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Compare People on Facebook

 

Vulnerability: The Compare People application on Facebook sends user profile information, such as age, gender, city, ZIP code, favorite music, favorite movies, favorite TV shows, favorite books, “about me,” activities, interests, and political view to Google AdSense when displaying advertisements within the application.

Progress: Facebook has been notified. Compare People has commented; see below for updates.

More Detail: Today I was checking out my rankings in Compare People and decided to check for any security or privacy holes. While I haven’t actually hacked it (though I have some ideas), I was quite surprised to discover how much of my profile information is collected and sent to AdSense. From what I understand, this information is stored by Google, and thus this practice clearly violates Facebook’s TOS in that it...

1. shares personal information with a third party without the user’s knowledge or consent and 
2. the third party stores information whose storages is restricted by the platform documentation. 

The code for Compare People caches this information and information on a user’s friends, but does not appear to store any of the data long-term. I checked Compare People’s application page and off-Facebook documentation for a privacy policy and never found one, which could be another TOS violation.

Update: Thanks to Naval Ravikant from Compare People for replying and clarifying some things. First, according to Ravikant, Google does not store the profile fields like location, favorite movies, etc. and only uses them as keywords when generating the ads. Prior to posting I had researched this feature of AdSense, and best I could tell the info was stored. But as Ravikant pointed out, “personally identifiable information,” such as a user ID or name, is not passed on. Finally, Ravikant mentioned that many Facebook applications are employing the same techniques in generating their ads. I still don’t think transmitting such data to another application without notification or consent from the user would be consistent with the TOS, but Facebook will have to answer that question.

Compare People is disabling the feature until they get some clarification on whether it violates the TOS, and I appreciate their responsiveness. In any event, this once again reminds users how many ways data about them can be collected and used on the Internet, both with Facebook applications and Google AdSense.

Update 2: VentureBeat received word from Google that they have asked Facebook app developers not to send such information as keywords any more, has stopped using such keywords, and has not received any “personally identifiable information.”

Source: www.theharmonyguy.com

PT comment:
This article was sent to us by a reader in follow up to our general Privacy article.

By: Progress On 01:51

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