The personal data that users enter on social networking sites could soon be used to shape the media and advertising they see elsewhere across the internet, if a groundbreaking alliance announced yesterday is any guide.

Following hot on the heels of a copyright lawsuit filed against a German social Web site accused of stealing Facebook’s design and feature set, the massively popular social networking destination has this week turned user attention away from the courtroom and onto its upcoming second-generation site design. 

A new networking group for journalists, creative and media professionals is being launched in Kent this week.

MeejaHub is aiming to bring media professionals in the Tunbridge Wells area together to exchange ideas, sources, industry news and gossip. 

Columbus, OH - There is much anticipation and conversation about CNN's six-hour "Black In America" report, which addresses the stereotypes and challenges that African American men, women, and families face. Hosted by reporter Soledad O'Brien, its expected to be the network's most watched program ever. 

Social networking sites are banned by nearly a quarter of all U.S. companies, many of which view them as a drain on productivity.

Loop Mobile launched its MOKO Online service today as one of the first social networking sites to work fully across both online and mobile platforms.

When drug enforcement agents began investigating Ryan Robletto, they looked him up on MySpace.

The first thing they reportedly found was a photograph of Robletto standing in a room, surrounded by marijuana plants. His name -- viewable to anyone with a MySpace account -- was “1cashcrop,” and he declared his heroes are, “The Farmers from Humboldt who give to the people ...” 

Facebook and MySpace have harnessed the Internet to revolutionize how Americans keep in touch. Could providers of health care do the same?

Indianapolis-based Community Health Network is trying to find out. It has opened its Web site to allow its patients to create their own MySpace-like pages to keep their family and friends informed about their treatment or about their new baby. 

Nickelodeon's AddictingGames, a gaming site, is turning itself into a social hang-out for Generation Y and their younger brothers and sisters, writes CNet.

This week, the company will announce several steps to turn its Flash-based games site into more of a community for teen players.

MTV joins social networking fray with MTV House

LONDON - MTV UK is launching a social networking site called MTV House, which will allow members to interact with each other using avatars and take part in competitions and promotions.

Facebook Files Lawsuit Against German Social Network

Facebook has come out and sued the highly popular German social networking site known as StudiVZ. StudiVZ is a major player in the social networking industry, with over 10 million users. Facebook sued the company claiming intellectual property infringement.