Beating out search giant, Google, Microsoft has purchased a 1.6 percent stake in Facebook for a total of $240 million. According to a story on chron.com, Microsoft plans to sell ads internet ads for Facebook as the popular social networking platform expands into global markets.

It was a good move on Microsoft’s part, even if Facebook’s audience would probably rather have seen the powerful yet lovable Google secure the percentage. As Facebook’s membership increases, so does the opportunity for advertising. But perhaps even more valuable is the wealth of personal data that can be compiled about individuals through the site. Will this data be used for good or evil? Only time will tell.

I would caution Facebook users to be careful what the post on the site. Anything you post up there, from information to pictures, is owned by Facebook. Now Microsoft has a foothold into that all-you-can-eat buffet of personal data. Please, learn from the frog.