I had previously corresponded with Peter only through email on some privacy questions he had on Plaxo. He wanted to thank me for my previous response (and of course, ask another question :-).
Peter was able to contact me through IM by noting my AIM presense in Plaxo Online. What was interesting though (at least to Peter), he was able to detect my AIM presense, even though he did not know my AIM Screen Name.
But how is this possible??? Was this a breach of my privacy or security?
Of course, the answer is No - my information is safe and secure as always. But then how was Peter able to contact me through my AIM Screen Name that he did not know? The answer lies in how I have set for my Privacy Settings for my AIM account and how AIM presense works.
My AIM Account Settings
When I registered for AIM, I validated my email address to my AIM account. I also configured my AIM Privacy settings to allow others to look up my AIM Screen Name based on my email address. Basically, I am allowing others to type in my email address and be returned my AIM Screen Name.
Because Peter knows my email address, Plaxo was able to utilize AOL's API, and based on my AIM Privacy Settings, look up my AIM Screen Name associated with my validated email address. Plaxo then shows my AIM presense next to my email address in Peter's address book. I can always change my AIM privacy settings to disable this look up if I do not wish others to see my AIM presense.
Fortunately, I understand what's going on here. But I suspect that as AIM presense becomes more widely available to Plaxo members, there may be confusion by some members on this new feature. Both our Support and Privacy teams are ready to answer any questions on the matter. But hopefully, there won't be too much confusion, and members will be very excited by this new way to stay connected.
Peter was able to use AIM presense to easily connect with me again, and effectively communicate with me quickly and easily.
'till next time.
Stacy Martin
Plaxo Privacy Officer
privacy @t plaxo.com