In real Facebook news yesterday, (as opposed to the fake Facebook news that Derek Richardson added you as a top friend) Mark Zuckerberg announced the start of the SocialAd network.

The new ads are not exactly what was expected. Instead of installing cookies into web browsers, they will place profiles photos next to online ads. Facebook will sell ad space against users’ profile pictures for products they have bought or recommended. (Think your cousin’s latest Amazon purchase next to a picture of him doing a keg stand.)

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Remember last year when Facebook introduced the newsfeed and everyone freaked out that their relationship status would take the form of an RSS feed? Well, expect the same people to get concerned in the coming weeks as Facebook’s power grows.

Today Facebook is introducing SocialAd network. The service will exploit members’ profiles for demographic information. Through cookies installed in users’ Web browsers, Facebook will use data from profiles to serve ads on the Web sites of publishers who bought into the SocialAd network. Lacoste should be excited to reach out directly to members of The Popped Collar Alliance group.

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