Facebook told to tighten privacy controls

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 28 Aug 2009 at 10:40

Facebook has promised to revamp its privacy controls, after being taken to task by a privacy watchdog.

The main thrust of the changes revolves around giving users more control over how much of their data they share with the social-networking site, and the apps they download onto their profile pages.

The changes are the result of an investigation by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada which found "serious privacy gaps in the way the site operates".

"Application developers have virtually unrestricted access to Facebook users' personal information. The changes Facebook plans to introduce will allow users to control the types of personal information that applications can access," says Canada's privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart, who welcomed the changes.

The changes Facebook plans to introduce will allow users to control the types of personal information that applications can access

"This is extremely important. People will be able to enjoy the benefits of social networking without giving up control of their personal information. We're very pleased Facebook has been responsive to our recommendations," she adds.

The site will also better explain the distinction between deactivating an account, whereby profile data remains stored on Facebook's servers, and deleting that data. More information will also be provided on how user date is used in advertising.

The changes will be rolled out over the next year and affect everyone of the site's estimated 250 million users, including those in the UK.

"Our productive and constructive dialogue with the commissioner's office has given us an opportunity to improve our policies and practices in a way that will provide even greater transparency and control for Facebook users," says Elliot Schrage, vice-president of public policy at Facebook.

"We believe that these changes are not only great for our users and address all of the commissioners' outstanding concerns, but they also set a new standard for the industry," he adds.