Controlled Information Sharing in Online Social Networks
What is Controlled Information Sharing?
Controlled Information Sharing means:
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You decide who can see your information
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You decide what information to share
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You decide when to share
Simple meaning
Not everyone can see everything you post.
Social media example
On Instagram, you choose who can see your story.
On WhatsApp, you choose who can see your profile photo.
Why This Topic is Important
Protects privacy
Avoids misuse of data
Keeps personal life safe
College example
You share notes only with classmates, not with strangers.
Access Control Models
What is Access Control?
Access control means:
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Rules that decide who can access what
Very simple words
Permission system
Daily life example
Hostel room key: only your room members can enter.
Types of Access Control Models
1. Owner-Based Control
Owner decides access
You control your own data
Example
You decide who can see your Facebook post.
2. Group-Based Control
Access depends on the group
Example
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College WhatsApp group messages are visible only to group members.
3. Rule-Based Control
The system follows fixed rules
Example
Instagram automatically hides messages from unknown users.
Exam Tip 📝
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Access control = permission rules
Owners, groups, and rules are common models
Access Control in Online Social Networks
How Access Control Works in OSNs
OSN = Online Social Network (like Facebook, Instagram)
Steps:
User creates content
User selects privacy option
System checks rules
Content is shown or hidden
Common Access Options
Public
Friends only
Friends of friends
Private
Social media example
Instagram post set to “Friends only”
Why OSNs Need Access Control
Millions of users
Personal data involved
Risk of misuse
Relationship-Based Access Control (ReBAC)
What is Relationship-Based Access Control?
Big name, simple idea 👇
Access depends on
relationship between users.
Relationship means:
Friend
Family
Classmate
Colleague
How ReBAC Works
System checks your relationship
Then gives access
Example
Only friends can see your WhatsApp status.
Only classmates can see class group messages.
Real-Life Example
Teacher shares marks only with students.
Parents group cannot see student-only messages.
Remember This 📌
-
ReBAC focuses on who you are connected to
Very common in social media apps
Privacy Settings in Commercial Online Social Networks
What are Privacy Settings?
Options that help users:
Control visibility
Protect personal data
Common Privacy Settings
| Setting | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Anyone can see | Twitter posts |
| Friends | Only friends | Facebook posts |
| Private | Only you | Draft posts |
Examples from Apps
WhatsApp: “Last seen – My contacts”
Instagram: Private account
Facebook: Friends-only posts
Why Privacy Settings Matter
Stop strangers
Avoid stalking
Protect photos and details
Exam Tip 📝
Privacy settings = main tool for controlled sharing
Existing Access Control Approaches
1. Simple List-Based Control
User selects allowed people
Example
WhatsApp broadcast list
2. Role-Based Control
Access based on role
Role means position or job.
College example
Admin can edit data
A student can only view
3. Relationship-Based Control
Based on the connection type
Example
LinkedIn shows job posts to connections
Comparison Table
| Approach | Based On | Example |
|---|---|---|
| List-based | Selected users | WhatsApp list |
| Role-based | Position | Admin vs Student |
| Relationship-based | Connection | Friends only |
Problems in Access Control
Common Issues
Complex settings
User confusion
Default public access
Example
User forgets to change privacy, the post becomes public.
Risks
Data misuse
Privacy loss
Fake profiles viewing data
Key Points to Remember 📌
Controlled sharing protects privacy
Access control decides visibility
Relationships play a big role
Privacy settings must be used carefully
Possible Exam Questions
Short Answer Questions
Define controlled information sharing.
What is access control?
Explain relationship-based access control.
What are privacy settings?
Long Answer Questions
Explain access control models in online social networks.
Describe relationship-based access control with examples.
Discuss privacy settings in commercial social networks.
Explain existing access control approaches.
Quick Revision Summary
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Controlled sharing = You control your data
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Access control = Permission rules
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ReBAC = Access by relationship
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Privacy settings = User safety tools
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Goal = Safe and limited sharing
Final Memory Tip 🧠
👉 Post → Choose → Control → Protect
These notes are exam-ready, easy to revise, and beginner-friendly.