In today’s Quick Hits, we talk about Facebook security, another tragic case of suicide related to cyberbullying, and how online privacy is shaping up as an issue in the new Congress.

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Facebook Defends Security Strategies

After a Sophos security report claimed that hackers and spammers are gaining ground on Facebook and releasing more effective malware, Facebook responded by defending its security strategies and clarified that, when taking volume into account, less than three percent of Facebook communications could be classified as spam.

Missouri Congresswoman Embarrassed Over Hacked Facebook Account

One freshman Missouri legislator had her reputation called into question when a hacker accessed her Facebook account and posted an embarrassing status message. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “the Facebook page for Rep. Donna Lichtenegger, R-Jackson, displayed a message yesterday naming gifts from lobbyists as one of the things she likes most about her new job. ‘I love lobbyist! (sic) All the free food and stuff you get. This job is awesome!’ the post read.”

Before Lichtenegger was able to take the message down, several political blogs picked up on the status update and spun it into a story, demonstrating how quickly a reputation attack can spread online.

Teen Commits Suicide Over Cyberbullying

According to the Yahoo News website, Advocate.com, “Kameron Jacobsen, a 14-year-old from Orange County, New York, took his own life because of Facebook taunts about his perceived sexual orientation, according to sources.” The issue of cyberbullying has taken on significant resonance in recent years with the suicides of numerous high school and college-aged teens. Many states are now beginning to create laws offering enhanced punishment for cyberbullies.

Facebook Adding More Ads to Profiles

According to a Clickz report, “Facebook has been testing a fifth ad placement on photo pages…the company is apparently seeing if it can squeeze in another paid promotion above the fold on the right-hand side of its site design.” Facebook’s primary revenue generator is advertising, so it’s no surprise to see the company adding more ads to the site. The question is, how will users react to seeing more ads on a social network that is noted for its clutter-free aesthetic.

Time Techland: Debating Posting Drunk Driving Mugshots Online

The city council of Huntington Beach, California recently voted down a measure that would post the photos of repeat drunk driving offenders on the city’s Facebook page. In this blog post for Time Magazines Techland blog, Allie Townsend debates the city’s decision and examines the consequences of shaming criminals online.

With New CEO, Where Does Google Stand on Privacy?

With Eric Schmidt stepping down as CEO of Google, what direction will the company take on the sensitive issue of privacy? In a blog post for the Huffington Post, Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, analyzes Schmidt’s tenure as Google CEO and speculates about the company’s future positions on privacy.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller Names Online Privacy a Top Issue in New Year

According to AdWeek.com, “Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-W. Va., outlined his committee’s priorities for the new session. Topping the list are, among other things, online privacy and consumer protection.” The issue of online privacy has been predicted to be a popular bipartisan issue, which will likely make it a top concern in the House of Representatives as well.