Dumbing Down Facebook Privacy Settings for 1 Billion Users
At the heels of Instagram’s confusing new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, it’s parent company, Facebook, also released a new privacy control setting, which the social giant claims would give users more control over the data they have on the service, to Facebook users in New Zealand.
The new privacy control setting involves a revamped Facebook look, which now features a new settings tab. It’s now easier to block people, filter content that can be seen by others, and change who can see you on Facebook, with just a few clicks. The new privacy control setting was first brought to light by ABC News but it wasn’t until today that Kiwis were able to experience the new Facebook.
If you click on “See More Settings” at the bottom of the new menu, you’ll be directed to a new privacy “settings and tools” menu that offers a better explanation of what things are and what happens if you choose to change something in your privacy setting.
It’s a step in the right direction for Facebook, a massive social network with a growing responsibility to ensure the privacy of its 1 billion+ users. Simplifying the process for users is an important step, and a lesson that Facebook’s had to learn the hard way. Striking the right balance between the user experience and revenue generation has been a struggle for Facebook, and it’s being forced to reconsider its tactics at every turn. Just this morning we also learned of Facebook’s decision to halt their ad network for displaying ads on third party mobile sites and apps, while also moving forward with auto-play video ads in users’ news feeds.
One feature that’s still missing with the new privacy menu is the ability to view your profile as others see it, a feature users have requested for some time.
The new privacy menu is currently only available to New Zealanders, and no details have been released as to when other countries like the US, UK and Australia will see the update roll out.
Here with more analysis on Facebook’s latest privacy changes is Senior Editor Kristen Nicole. See the video below:
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