WRAL Tech Wire

 'Like' it or not, Facebook to let advertisers republish user brand posts

Involving users in advertisements without their consent has been a thorny issue for Facebook. Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, said in this case the company is making money off a person's name or likeness without their consent. He calls it "subtle and misleading" and says users should object.

 Survey: Women prefer online communities over social media sites

A variety of reports find that online communities designed for women are more trustworthy and meet needs better, eMarketer reports.

Online communities vs. social media

 Facebook raises $1B from investors outside the US

The additional funding has provided the No. 1 social media website with $1.5 billion in new capital over the past month. How will Facebook spend the money? The company isn't saying.

 Will Facebook $65M settlement be reopened?

The twins who claim they had the idea for Facebook, not Mark Zuckerberg, want the settlement thrown out.

 Growing number of investors could require IPO for Facebook

The owner of the world's largest Internet social network, privately held since it started in a Harvard University dorm room seven years ago, will be forced to open its books because it expects to have more than 500 shareholders at some point this year.

 Facebook's whopping deal shows value of social data

Analysis: Facebook remains a private company and does not have to disclose its financial performance yet, but estimates of its annual revenue have been in the $2-3 billion range, and with only one viable revenue stream (advertising) open to date, Facebook seems to be poised to rapidly accelerate its revenue and profitability in the years ahead.

 Facebook - A $50B behemoth now beyond tech world

A reported investment by Goldman Sachs and a Russian investor of $500 million in Facebook is a further sign that the social networking behemoth is becoming a powerful force even outside tech circles, even as the company tries to push off going public as long as possible.

Mark Zuckerberg on Time's cover

 Facebook worth $50B after $550M in new investments

Goldman Sachs pours $500 million and Russian investment firm adds another $50 million for the social media site, according to The New York Times.

 V.C. update: Investors see surging values in Facebook, others

A new report tracking 11 high-profile privately held Internet companies says values have soared 54 percent since June.

 Bing tries to get friendlier with help from 'friends' at Facebook

A series of updates to the Microsoft search engine are designed to help Bing gain ground on Google.

Bings adds "friends" to search

 Facebook founder is Time's 'Person of Year'

At 26, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest "Person of the Year" since the first one chosen, Charles Lindbergh; he was 25 when he was named in 1927.

 Facebook founder, other execs pledge to give away most of their wealth

 Facebook remodels itself to feature more photos

The changes are meant to make it easier for users to tell their story -- who they are, where they work, their life philosophy and the most important people in their lives.

 'Face' as a trademark? Yes, Facebook moves closer

Even if it's approved, Facebook wouldn't have a trademark on "face" in every instance, only in online chat rooms and electronic bulletin boards for the "transmission of messages among computer users in the field of general interest and concerning social and entertainment subject matter," according to the Patent and Trademark Office's database entry on the application.

 Report: Facebook set to unveil Google 'Gmail killer'

Facebook has Google's mail app in its crosshairs, tech follower says.

 Let's make a deal - at new Facebook service

Social media website offers rewards and discounts with more than 20 business partners.

 MySpace plays copy cat – and makes itself less relevant

Social media analysis: Instead of developing features that the other two sites do not already have, it seems MySpace did a straight rip in an effort to stop losing users to the other platforms.

 Silicon Valley VC firm launches $250M social media effort

Amazon, Facebook and several other partners join Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers effort to boost social mead startups focused on applications and services.

 Report: Facebook apps transmitted personal info

Wall Street Journal says the breach includes users who set all their information to be completely private. And in some cases, it says, the apps provided access to friends' names.

 Facebook launches effort to remove anti-gay hate speech

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said it reached out to Facebook last week after Internet bullies flooded a page set up to honor teens who recently killed themselves in response to anti-gay hate.