Social networks face losing 66 per cent of users

16/06/2008

Social networking sites could lose two thirds of their users to competitors if they don't regulate the amount of spam attacks, according to a new study.

The poll, conducted by Harris Interactive, shows more than 80 per cent of social networking site users have received unwanted messages on their social or professional network account in the last year.

Two thirds of those questioned said they would consider switching to another network if spam became a frequent issue.

Cloudmark chief technology officer Jamie de Guerre, whose company commissioned the poll, said that the sites must act now as attacks become more frequent and dangerous.

"Social networking sites need to be concerned about the proliferation of spam and phishing attacks and the impact it could have on their ability to grow and retain members," he said in a statement.

"Social networking providers must address the security issue head-on or risk declining usage and revenues."

A major issue with spam is that it often re-directs the user to phishing or malware sites, jeopardising privacy and security.

On average, each respondent received 64 unsolicited messages over the past 12 months.

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