Facebook makes money from user's data

Social networking site Facebook is using its users’s profile, status updates, messages and other information to help advertisers find exactly who they want to reach out to.

Facebook is now tracking this activity, shooting online ads to users based on their demographics, interests, even what they say to friends on the site sometimes within minutes of them typing a key word or phrase.

For example, women who have changed their relationship status to “engaged” on their Facebook profiles will receive ads from local wedding planners and caterers when they log in.

Middle-aged men who list motorcycling as one of their hobbies could get pitches from Victory Motorcycles.

According to the Los Angeles Times, some analysis believe that Facebook’s unique trove of consumer behavior could transform it into one of the most powerful marketing tools ever invented.

However, privacy watchdogs say Facebook’s unique ability to mine data and sell advertising based on what its members voluntarily share amounts to electronic eavesdropping on personal updates, posts and messages that many users intended to share only with friends.

Facebook’s first experiment with paid ads was a flop. In 2007 it rolled out Beacon, which broadcast information on Facebook about users’ activities and purchases elsewhere on the Web without their permission.

Facebook pulled the program after settling a lawsuit brought on behalf of Facebook users.

This time around, company officials appear to be proceeding more cautiously. David Fischer, Facebook’s vice president of advertising and global operations, says Facebook delivers ads that are relevant to users’ lives.

“This is an opportunity for brands to connect with you. When someone likes a brand, they are building a two-way conversation, creating an ongoing relationship,” said Fischer.

Facebook film tipped as Oscars nods unveiled

LOS ANGELES: Facebook movie "The Social Network" hopes to make more friends Tuesday when this year's Oscar nominations are to be announced, as the climax to Hollywood's annual awards season looms.

But rivals vying for Academy Awards glory include British historical drama "The King's Speech," which many say could come good at the Oscars despite its disappointing Golden Globes showing earlier this month.

Movies also likely in the running for Oscars awards next month include Globes winners "Black Swan" and "The Fighter," lesbian parenting film "The Kids are Alright" and the Coen brothers' update of the Western classic "True Grit."

Hollywood watchers claim one of the safest Oscar bets is Colin Firth for best actor as the stammering King George VI, while Natalie Portman is tipped for best actress for her role in ballet-themed drama "Black Swan."

Jeff Bridges also has a buzz behind him for what would be his second Oscar in a row for "True Grit," while actress tips include Julianne Moore and Annette Bening from "The Kids Are All Right," or Nicole Kidman for "Rabbit Hole."

The best director shortlist is expected to include "Social Network" director David Fincher, Tom Hooper for "The King's Speech" and Christopher Nolan for thriller "Inception."

The nominations for the Oscars, by far the most prestigious of Tinseltown's awards season, will be unveiled at 5:30 am (1330 GMT) on Tuesday, launching the final straight toward the February 27 Academy Awards show.

"The Social Network" grabbed four Golden Globes, including Best Picture, on January 17, in what is traditionally seen as an indicator of success at the Academy Awards.

The Facebook movie, about how Mark Zuckerberg founded the social networking site, also won best director Globe for Fincher as well as best screenplay and best score.

"The King's Speech" scored only one Globe -- best actor for Firth -- while there were two for boxing movie "The Fighter" and one for "Black Swan," with Portman for best actress.

But industry observers note that the British royal movie could do better at the Oscars because it is better suited to the tastes of the 6,000-plus members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The British movie, about King George VI's battle with a stammer, also got a small boost over the weekend when it won best picture award at the Producers Guild of America awards.

The Los Angeles Times noted that, for the past two decades, the Producers Guild of America results have correctly forecast the Oscar best picture 13 times.

"There's a good chance that 'The King's Speech' will score the most Oscar bids," said the newspaper's awards-watching correspondent, predicting as many as 11 nods for the British movie.

The producers' show was the latest in a string of ceremonies that make up the annual awards season. Others still to come include the Screen Actors Guild prizes on January 30.

But for insiders, the Oscars are the multi-billion-dollar industry's real deal, and much of Hollywood will therefore be up early Tuesday for the pre-dawn nominations announcement.

On the eve of the Oscars nominations, nominees for Hollywood's Oscars spoof the Razzies were revealed Monday, with the "Sex and the City" sequel and the final installment of teen vampire series "Twilight" top of the flops.

Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher, Robert Pattinson, Miley Cyrus and Barbra Streisand were also nominated by the Golden Raspberry Award Foundation, which organizes the annual salute to the worst of the worst.