A 'Facebook' that really shows off your private 'data'

(AFP PHOTO / Adrian Dennis)

While most social networkers around the world are complaining about their loss of online privacy, a new social network has started up that actively encourages its users to show off their, err, private parts.

Skinbook is "the world's number one Nudist Social Network" and is not shy to proclaim its rapidly growing population of around 8000 members.

The site claims to have "all the usual features you'd expect from a social network: personal profiles, forums, blogs, groups, galleries, videos, event listings, live chat, commenting, instant messaging... you name it!" plus the added bonus of thousands of people posing in their birthday suits.

Skinbook isn't an online hub for internet porn. The rules make that very clear. Users are banned from posting any type of pornographic image or headless torso shots and any user found violating the rules will be banned from using the social network.

While Facebook is by far the most prevalent social network out there, many competitors have sprung up around the internet. Social networks like aSmallWorld, Bebo, Diaspora*, Google Buzz, Ning, OneSocialWeb, Orkut, Pip.io and Virb all have growing online populations of people wanting to connect with each other - although none of them have such an openly proud community of nudists sitting behind their online identities.

If you like to surf the web wearing nothing but the reflection of your computer screen and want to meet others like-minded individuals, you can sign up for Skinbook here: http://skinbook.ning.com/