Small businesses across the UK are being urged to impose stricter controls on social networking sites such as Facebook, according to a new report from a leading business support agency.
Business consultancy Blue Orchid made the statement in response to reports that Lloyds TSB, Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse have all banned Facebook within the workplace.
Facebook, a site that ‘connects people,’ allows users to post detailed and personal information about themselves on the web. It has been a particular target for criticism, nicknamed ‘crackbook’ due to its addictive nature.
The Daily Telegraph reported recently that UK members are increasing by 10,000 per day, with 1.8m Britons using the site at least once a month.
Jim Crook, managing director of Blue Orchid, stressed the potential danger of social networking sites.
“Firm controls are necessary to prevent horrendous amounts of staff time being wasted on Facebook and other websites,” he stated.
“Facebook, in particular, is dangerous to productivity as it encourages people to start communicating with each other.”
He added, “Moreover, there are genuine concerns that people are giving too much information about themselves and their employers on Facebook, leaving themselves vulnerable to cyber criminals and identity theft.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
