WRAL Tech Wire

 Facebook steps up efforts to help prevent suicide

A program launching Tuesday enables users to instantly connect with a crisis counselor from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline through Facebook's "chat" messaging system.

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 Security flaw exposes Facebook users' private photos - including CEO's

The bug enabled anyone to view a "limited number" of recently uploaded photos, regardless of a person's privacy settings. Among those affected was CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

 Facebook hires Fourquare rival Gowalla's exec team

Gowalla started out in 2009 as a way for people to share their location with friends and strangers by "checking in." Now, Facebook will wind down the service, as it often does when buying a startup to hire its talent. It did not acquire the Gowalla service or technology.

 Facebook, sharing and privacy - How do they mix safely?

Despite a big settlement with the Federal Trade Commission about protecting user information, Facebook once again must deal with this thorny issue. Does the deal really settle privacy issues?

 FTC alleges Facebook exposes users' info without their consent

In an agreement to settle FTC concerns about privacy, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the social media giant has "made a bunch of mistakes."

 Facebook eyes $10 billion initial public stock offering

Bloomberg and Wall Street Journal both report about Facebook's plans. If true, the IPO would value the world's most popular social networking site at more than $100 billion. The IPO could come before the end of the year.

Facebook as seen through its new iPad app

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 Facebook reportedly in talks with FTC to settle privacy claims

The proposed 20-year settlement would require Facebook to get express consent from users before sharing material posted under earlier, more restrictive terms, said the person, who declined to be identified because the settlement isn't final. It would also compel an annual, independent review of Facebook's privacy practices.

 Once a dropout, Facebook's CEO receives hero's welcome at Harvard

Mark Zuckerberg says in an interview he received advice from the late Steve Jobs on how to build his company. At Harvard, he tells students that his company is hiring.

Mark Zuckerberg receives hero's welcome at Harvard. (AP)

 Watch what you tweet - The CIA 'vengeful librarians' are monitoring you

The US government spy agency has a team of people culling through Twitter feeds, Facebook and other online sources worldwide for signs of unrest and possible terrorism.

 Tax wars: Facebook, Oregon square off about data center

The state and the social media giant are in a dispute over how much Facebook may owe in property taxes, and the social networking giant fears it could be taxed on intangible assets like the value of its powerful brand.

Facebook's Oregon data center

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From its launch 10 years ago, Local Tech Wire as it was known then has offered a daily e-mail blast. Adding a news feed on Twitter brought on more readers. With Facebook, readers have a new channel to follow our news.

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 Facebook confirms $760M data center in Sweden

The server farm will be built near the Artic Circle because of the cool climate and access to hydroelectric power, the social media giant says.

 Victoria's Secret 'friends' still dominate Facebook commerce index

ChannelAdvisor data shows the number of Facebook fans utilizing ecommerce increases to 249 million in one month across more than 500 sites. Victoria's Secret is still No. 1.

Top 25 on ChannelAdvisor Facebook index

 Facebook rolls out own app for use on Apple's iPad

"With the iPad app, you get the full Facebook experience, right at your fingertips," a Facebook spokesperson says. "It's a fun way to keep up with friends, share photos, chat and more."

Facebook as seen through its new iPad app

 Facebook to build second data center at facility in Western NC

The social media giant plans to add 10 jobs in what the governor's office says is a "mirror" of the first structure.

Facebook's Building 1 in Western NC

 Privacy groups ask FTC to investigate Facebook

The groups say changes Facebook made last week give it far greater ability to disclose users' personal information to businesses than it used to have.

 Facebook's big changes mean new future for social apps

New features alter social media landscape. The struggle between Facebook, Google, and Apple will be a fascinating drama to follow in the coming months and years.

A sample of Facebook timeline