'We've always designed Facebook to enable people to control what information they share with whom -- it's the reason our service continues to attract such a broad and diverse group of users from around the world', said Elliot Schrage.
Setting a new standard in user control, Facebook announced today that it is calling on its more than 350 million users to review and update their privacy settings -- a first among major Internet services. In addition, Facebook will be rolling out easy-to-use tools to empower people to personalize control over their information -- based on what the content is, why they are sharing it, when, and the audience they seek to reach.
"Facebook is transforming the world's ability to control its information online by empowering more than 350 million people to personalize the audience for each piece of content they share," said Elliot Schrage, Vice President of Communications, Public Policy and Marketing. "We've always designed Facebook to enable people to control what information they share with whom -- it's the reason our service continues to attract such a broad and diverse group of users from around the world. We're proud of the latest evolution we're announcing today and we will continue to innovate to serve users' changing needs."
Adding Control For Each ItemUsers from all over the world have requested the ability to dynamically control who sees each individual piece of content. Facebook's new Publisher Privacy Control -- the main place to add content such as photos and status updates -- provides this function and is rolling out to users today. This feature will enable people to easily select a privacy setting for every post they make at the time they create it. Simplified Privacy SettingsFacebook's current privacy model revolves around "networks" -- communities for schools, companies or regions. However, some of the regional networks like Australia and Turkey now have millions of members, which is why Facebook is moving toward a more personalized model of control. Regional networks will be removed and replaced with four basic control settings -- Friends, Friends of Friends, Everyone and Customized -- that are simpler and apply uniformly to all users worldwide.Help In Choosing SettingsStarting today, Facebook will also take the unprecedented step of presenting more than 350 million users with a Transition Tool -- a transparent process requiring people to review and update their privacy settings. This tool will start with a message that explains the changes and will then let users update their settings. Users will be presented with two options: preserving their old settings or accepting recommendations from Facebook.Expanded Privacy EducationAs users move through the Transition Tool, they'll be presented with an opportunity to "Learn More." Through this link, they'll reach Facebook's new PrivacyCenter, a comprehensive guide that helps users understand and control how they share information. The PrivacyCenter explains Facebook's principles of user control and related features. It also offers links to other privacy-related material on and off Facebook. Even after a user has completed the Transition Tool, the PrivacyCenter will always remain available from links throughout the site.
