Facebook Changes Privacy Settings

Facebook has once again changed its privacy settings, though this time in a direction that advocates of improved privacy online will be pleased with. From now on, those making posts and status updates will be able to customise who gets to read the message.

Facebook have in the past customised their privacy policy based on this, but it was broad sweeping. Now users will be able to decide between: public, friends and custom, when making wall posts and status updates.

The social network has also announced the inclusion of tag removal, with users able to remove any tags of themselves that other people have added. Geographic locations can now also be tagged into photos, allowing for the grouping of pictures from different people; if their images are set to public.

“I don’t think the old controls were bad. I just think the new ones are much better,” said President of Product at Facebook Chris Cox.

“The goal is just to make [the settings] more inline and more immediate, just right there in the profile.”

“This change is really just about the people that are on Facebook today and the new users who just joined today and making it easier for them.

“This really is not in any way about the under-13 experience,” said Mr Cox.

Facebook has been criticised for their privacy policy in the past, encouraging people to drop online anonymity in favour of letting everyone view all your content. This was a step that many wern’t willing to take, causing some of the biggest backlashes against the firm. Depending on the default settings for these new privacy options, it could lead to further condemnation or praising.

Industry