Facebook Opens Forum to Discuss Terms of Use Policy

Facebook is taking criticisms of its recent terms of use debacle to heart. According to reports, the social networking company is now asking members to help contribute to a more popular policy by making their own suggestions.

Last week the popular social networking site faced condemnation from members after it was reported that its new terms of use policy would allow third parties to access user information even after they terminated an account. Although some felt users had long surrendered their privacy by joining such a network, most members were outraged with Facebook and demanded immediate change. (Source: tgdaily.com)

The "Facebook Principles"

In a statement released on Thursday, Facebook announced that it will in the future work under a set of principles that more closely reflects a dedication to transparency, honesty, and openness. Dubbed the "Facebook Principles," these ideas outline the company's new policy on privacy and the distribution of information regarding its members and the site.

Under this new ideological position, Facebook will allow members to offer their own opinions of policy changes. In this case, two new proposals have been drafted up relating to the site's terms of use policy, and for the next several days site members can make their suggestions on each. Facebook promises it will take into consideration all of those when finally deciding on its terms of use policy.

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, thinks it's a radical step for any company. "It's a big statement that we trust users and we want their involvement in the process." (Source: reuters.com)

"Devil will be in the detail..."

Both of the new proposals give members the ability to control their own information, not Facebook or third parties who might use that information for marketing purposes. Perhaps the most important of Facebook's new principles is one that reserves the member's right to his or her information, meaning that Facebook cannot do with it as they please. It also means that ending an account ends Facebook's access to that data.

Privacy groups are impressed. Director of Privacy International Simon Davis remarked, "The devil will be in the detail, but, overall, we applaud these positive steps." (Source: reuters.com)