Today signifies the introduction of the new and simplified Privacy Policy for Facebook users. Those signing into Facebook today will be greeted by a pop-up box in traditional Web 2.0 style, which will indicate to the user not only the current state of their privacy affairs, but also offer quick and simplified methods to change them. The official reference to the update is provided below;
“Setting a new standard in user control… calling on its more than 350 million users to review and update their privacy setting… As users move through the Transition Tool, they’ll be presented with an opportunity to “Learn More. Through this link, they’ll reach Facebook’s new Privacy Center, a comprehensive guide that helps users understand and control how they share information.”
The problem with this is that Facebook is now effectively forcing users to address their privacy details upon the Social Network. Although this won’t be a problem to most, this might cause issues for those who are unaware of the implications of opening up their details for all to see – such as the very young.
Users should also be careful of using the privacy function of ‘EVERYONE’ as Facebook in their Privacy Policy clearly states the following;
“If you delete ‘everyone’ content that you posted on Facebook, we will remove it from your Facebook profile, but have no control over its use outside of Facebook.”
This is quite obviously a big cause of concern for people who don’t wish for their data to be available to every tom, dick and harry after it’s been removed from Facebook, and could be seen to be slightly worrying for those who want complete control over their sensitive data. However, this does seem to be the way in which Social Networks are developing. The only fail-proof way of securing your private information online these days seems to be to boycott the numerous social websites available, and now Facebook is no exception.
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