Quebecer's Facebook photo fight a cautionary tale

A technology expert says recent incidents involving Facebook postings should serve as a reminder that nothing is truly private on the net.

Carmi Levy points to the case of a Quebec woman who alleges her disability benefits were cut because of photos on her Facebook profile.

Nathalie Blanchard,a Granby resident,says she's suffering from severe depression that has made it impossible for her to work full-time for the past 18-months.

She saysher sick leavepayments were cut after insurance giant Manulife obtained profile pictures on Facebook showing her at bars, whooping it up during her birthday and on a beach holiday.

Blanchard, who says her doctor had advised her to have some fun,is now going to court to have her benefits reinstated. Her lawyer Tom Lavin filed a suit on her behalf in Quebec Superior Court on Friday.

Levy, a London, Ont.-based independent technology analyst, told the Canadian Press thatBlanchard's case is a reminder that people should consider what they're putting on the internet.

Internet postings are never truly private, Levy said.

The federalLiberals also had to contend with online controversy on the weekend after the wife of former leader Stphane Dion posted comments from Facebook criticizing current boss Michael Ignatieff.