Facebook and other Web sites such as MySpace, Bebo and Google are creating technology platforms that let third-party developers build applications to run on those sites. The concept has opened the door to innovation, but also prompted worries over how those applications could be used for spam or to steal personal data.

Instead of posting thoughts about the new Avenged Sevenfold album or Jessica Alba movie, CIA and FBI analysts could use ‘A-Space’ to share information and opinion about al Qaeda movements in the Middle East or Russian naval maneuvers in the Black Sea.