Marketing Pilgrim

Not so much as a security alert–but certainly a reminder of how easy it is for any of us to post something to Facebook that could come back to haunt us–news broke over the weekend that the wife of Britain’s top spy posted far too much info on the social networking site.

The spouse of new MI6 top dog Sir John Sawers apparently posted all kinds of sensitive information to Facebook, causing a the British tabloids to lick their chops and politicians to posture.

Lady Sawers had put virtually no restrictions on her account, making it visible to the estimated 4 million on the open-access ‘London’ network, and potentially 200 million more worldwide…Lady Sawers disclosed many personal details, including the location of the London flat used by the couple and other details of their three children and of Sir John’s parents.

She posted photographs of Sir John in a Santa’s hat and, rather embarrassingly, Speedos.

Fortunately, today’s spies rely on a little more than Facebook content. Anyone that thinks the UK is now under threat because of Lady Sawyers Facebook profile, probably also thinks that Google Earth should be banned too!

Aside from reminding us all that it’s not just what we post to Facebook that can harm our reputation, but what our friends and family post, there’s really nothing to worry about. I like how Foreign Secretary David Miliband summed it up in his official response:

‘It is not a state secret that he wears Speedo swimming trunks. Let’s grow up.’

Be warned Russia! Britain’s top spy is so tough, he wears Speedo’s just to mock you!