The Facebook Union Attempts to Protect and Value Personal User Data

After several high-profile conflicts regarding Facebook's use of personal user information, the Facebook Union has been developed to protect our personal data and provide one "off-Facebook hub for discussion." Though composed of only nineteen people, the Union is optimistic that this concept could soon turn into a movement.

Richard Buchanan, a freelance and creative, explains that he wants to see each Facebook user given a value based on how much revenue Facebook - or any social networking website — generates from placing advertising next to his or her information.

"It may be a small amount but it adds up when scaled into the half billion. Thus I feel we, the users, should have a say in how the profit gets distributed. We should be able to donate some of our annual value to good causes."

To many, this is considered the next step to redefining the dynamic between consumer value and corporate profit. The Facebook Union is committed to stopping such sites from claiming to be cooperatives, but in reality, acting like private companies.

"It would be a great day if Facebook purchased users' content. The union is kind of demanding that but the money would go to a good cause instead of to the user."

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