June 2nd- UPDATE [ As of June 1st, Facebook started rolling out their new Privacy feature on your newsfeed. ]
Today, Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg released an announcement via the Facebook blog on how they will be making changes to their privacy policies based on the out cry of disappointment from Facebook users.
Beginning today a roll out will be gradually spreading across the over 400 million users with three noticeable changes.
1. A one step control of your own content – This means that you are able to set your settings to “Friends Only” or “Friends of Friends” and even when new changes are made, these settings will still apply.
2. Powerful controls over your basic information – This means that Facebook is going to reduced the amount of your basic information that is visible to everyone. Although this will make it harder for people to find you and could perhaps hinder the intended use of the site.
3. A control that will easily turn-off applications – which means that Facebook will also allow its users to turn off instant personalization, since currently partnered sites can see information of users that have their setting set as “Everyone”. However, if you do not want them to have visibility to that, Facebook will implement an easier way to turn off instant personalization.
[view privacy explanation via Facebook]
With these three new changes to the Privacy Policy, many of Facebook’s users will be more informed on where their information is being placed and have the ability to make changes to prevent their information from being passed on. Here is a quote from the Facebook blog by Mark Zuckerberg,
“I am pleased to say that with these changes the overhaul of Facebook’s privacy model is complete. If you find these changes helpful, then we plan to keep this privacy framework for a long time. That means you won’t need to worry about changes. (Believe me; we’re probably happier about this than you are.)” [via Facebook]
Mark tried explaining Facebook’s evolution within the post, which has caused for the drastic changes over the privacy in the past few years since its beginnings. Zuckerberg gets personal by thanking Facebook users
“On a personal note, I just turned 26 years old a few days ago. I started Facebook when I was 19 and it’s amazing to look back at how it has evolved. There have been a lot of changes over the years as we’ve continued to innovate, and I appreciate that you have all stuck with us. Each time we make a change we try to learn from past lessons, and each time we make new mistakes too. We are far from perfect, but we always try our hardest to build the best service for you and for the world. So I just want to say thanks.” [via Facebook]
It definitely looks like Facebook has taken its users more seriously and are in fact listening. This looks like a positive outcome for Facebook and its users with hopes that privacy amongst this Social Network will no longer be an issue. Since it seems that privacy infringement has been its legacy thus far. Let’s hope there will be more focus on the genius that is Facebook, and all of the functions and capabilities that it does provide users to connect on a global level as the number one social network. Keep in mind that this may take weeks to implement on all profiles, just know it’s coming, which undoubtedly today made a lot of faces turn their frown upside down. Now let’s get back to being social shall we!
Do you feel as though these changes will be useful at protecting your privacy on Facebook?
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