A recent privacy row has embroiled Facebook in a public debate about the collection and use of personal data. Now some rivals are taking advantage of Facebook’s maligned state to push their own projects aimed at developing new, more transparent social networking possibilities.

A common theme in many of the new projects is trying to define a common language, or protocols, so that social networks can interact. –JCL

The Guardian:

The controversy over Facebook’s privacy policy is helping those developing alternatives to the social network.

Funding and users are flowing to services that claim to put members in charge of their personal data.

The rivals range from start-ups to more established firms working on the specifications for an ecosystem of open social networks.

Experts say Facebook may have little to worry about, despite 11,000 people pledging to quit Facebook on 31 May.

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