Concerns Over Facebook Stream Importer for Google+ Abound

12.07.2011

"So should you trust these guys? In my opinion, [expletive deleted] no. Do NOT install this, it does more harm than anything. Stay the hell away," RogueDarkJedi wrote in the comment.

The post caught the attention of Crossrider, who responded to about the application, in which Lifehacker recommended its readers not install the app. Cofounder and CTO Shmueli Ahdut shot back, saying the way Google+Facebook auto-updates is "at the edge of extension-technology today," and that no changes are made without the user's permission.

RogueDarkJedi updated his post saying that the company was not being honest with its users, and that its code was still sloppy: "Stop lying to your users and to Reddit. Clean up your code, issue an apology, tell your users what they are getting into and secure your platform."

In any case, if you have downloaded the app, it may be a good idea to uninstall it for now. Personally, I think the whole point this Reddit commenter makes about the application constantly going back to Crossrider's servers for that JavaScript file is very valid.

All it takes is AntiSec one time to hack into Crossrider's servers and mess with that JavaScript file. Soon your computer could be doing a lot more than just putting your Facebook stream on Google+. With 100,000+ users, it's certainly an easy (and attractive) target.