Facebook to Give Greater Privacy Control to Members

In an effort to improve security on their social networking platform, Facebook has rolled out a new feature that allows users to decide which friends are entitled to see which photographs, videos, and similar.

Almost anyone who has a MySpace, Facebook or Twitter account can relate to having a few people on their friends list who are outside of their inner circle. As a token of understanding, Facebook is "tightening the reins" in regards to the amount of information certain friends are allowed to see.

350 Million People Affected

In the coming days, all Facebook members will be required to refine their settings to accommodate the new software update. The changes look to affect more than 350 million people.

In a nutshell, the new privacy feature will allow users to pre-determine accessibility to profile content in the categories: Friends, Friends of Friends, Everyone and Customized. Facebook members can select a privacy setting for each post by using lock icons next to "share" buttons on profile pages. (Source: yahoo.com)

The reason for the change is simple. Facebook has come to know that their members have a tendency to upload embarrassing photos of themselves, which would be regretted later should a business acquaintance or employer stumble upon them.

The new tool is part of a revamped privacy policy unveiled earlier this year and is independent of any advertising or revenue-making schemes.

According to Facebook vice-president of global communications, marketing and public policy Elliot Schrage, the changes will be to the benefit of all members. Schrage says Facebook "cares so much about this (new security tool) that we will require people to go through it (refining their settings) to get access to the service. The idea is to evolve, to give users better control of with whom they share and when they share." (Source: yahoo.com)

Backlash Expected

Of course, not everyone is expected to welcome the changes with open arms. Facebook is already bracing themselves for protests within the social networking world.

"We will have people who will love what we've done and embrace it, and we will have people distressed and concerned by it," said Schrage, adding that Facebook appreciates how passionate its members are about the service. If previous reactions to Facebook changes are any indication, members will find the new security tool more of a nuisance than a blessing.