by admin on October 18, 2010
The games are back on. After a weekend of removal from Facebook, LOLapps announced on its blog that all game services are back.
Facebook took into action to remove apps that are violating its terms, specifically passing user ID to outside firms. LOLapps admitted the issue but claimed that it was unintentional. It quoted statement from Facebook’s blog “In most cases, developers did not intend to pass this information, but did so because of the technical details of how browsers work.” and stated that it ”applies to Lolapps”. However, the blog does not include details in how the issue was being resolved.
It must be a great relieve for millions of game players and we’re all glad that the issue has been resolved reasonably quick. It can have great impact to both LOLapps and Facebook if the issue drags on for too long. Not only will LOLapps loses revenue for not having any services up on Facebook, slowly users and game developers will turn against Facebook as they become upset with the inefficiency and complication in being a social game platform.
by admin on October 18, 2010
From the WSJ report, top Facebook apps have been passing user information to advertizing and internet research firms, giving them access to users names or even users’ friends’ names. The apps in question include the popular FarmVille, Texas HoldEm Poker and FrontierVille from Zygna Game Network Inc.
Facebook user ID is being shared and that’s the unique ID that Facebook assigned to each user. Even with the private account setting, this can be used to find out the name of the user. For accounts that have access set to public, all information such as email, age, occupation, etc. are accessible.
Facebook confirmed some of the issues in its blog and states that they are “committed to ensuring that even the inadvertent passing of UIDs is prevented and all applications are in compliance with our policy.”
According to WSJ, Facebook has disabled thousands of applications at times for violating its policies. With their response to the LOLapps games’ shut down, it is very likely that the UID breaching is a related issue. The Journal found some of LOLapps’ applications do transmit information out to third party.
People are getting used to the Facebook world and most are being too comfortable in it. This is definitely not as safe of a place as you think. Just like the wild Internet out there, there are all sorts of security holes around. As suggested by Facebook, they “encourage you to review (our) policy and your use of user information, including UIDs.” Don’t let down your guard just because you’re there to play games and feel too safe thinking that you’re surrounded only by your own friends.
by admin on October 17, 2010
One of the biggest game makers on Facebook, LOLapps, produces popular social games Critter Island, Garden Life, Diva Life, Band of Heroes, Supermodel: The Game, Yakuza Lords and Facebook versions of Dante’s Inferno and Champions Online.
During the Oct 16th weekend, all the games disappeared from Facebook with the page not found message, leaving all players confused and frustrated. LOLapps is telling its users to stay tuned for more information.
According to VentureBeat, Facebook’s spokesman stated, “We have disabled applications from LOLapps due to violations of our terms.”
Facebook is a huge portal for game developers and integration with the Facebook platform can utilize the great population within this social world. However, we also see that the Facebook now has the power to control developers’ behaviors and possibly creativities. It’ll be interesting to see how the online community is going to react to this ban. It can make some people quite upset now that Facebook becomes the one who has the power to control. We look forward to some explanation about the action.
