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With the increase in the number of users joining Facebook to connect, share and stay in touch, of course there has been a massive increase in the amount of information they share and how it is handled. The Facebook privacy policy has constantly been a subject of discussion amongst critics and users alike, with many contemplating it as complicated and unsecure at times.
The following latest changes in the privacy policy have raised many questions and have had their own fair share of pros and cons. Do go through these finer points to learn in detail how your information and data is being handled on the web:
The Messaging Service
Private messaging is now enabled for everyone on Facebook, which means that anyone can message you now, regardless of that person being on your friends list or not. As you no longer have the liberty to filter and control who can send you messages, you should be ready to empty your inbox off unwanted spam every now and then. |
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Facebook and Instagram
Facebook can now share your personal information with advertisers that they are associated with. This announcement has been met with general public uproar as it seriously undermines user privacy and security of personal information.Instagram is also now an official part of Facebook, and according to recent reports, your Instagram photos can be used and accessed to create better and more targeted advertisements that relate more directly to the user’s likes, favorite places, hobbies, etc.
Third Party App Permissions
Third party apps on your Facebook profile will become more controllable and predictable, as the permission for access of information will now be broken into two parts. Now, the users will have to first approve whether they wish to let the app access their personal information and also if it will be able to post on their behalf. This will surely limit the level of access these applications have on your information and make the experience more secure for users.The Activity Log
One great thing about the new Facebook privacy policy is the introduction of new controls through the activity log. The activity log has been made more user-friendly and targeted now, and can be accessed and used to control data two ways – the information that you share about yourself and the information that others share about you. The activity log helps you determine how you are tagged and also what tags are visible on your timeline.The activity log also lets you decide the way you can be notified about your tagged information on other places in Facebook apart from your timeline. The privacy controls are now visible at the top right corner of the screen and offer more ease and functionality to users around the globe regarding their personal data, views, connecting permissions and pictures.
Nikos RotsidesAbout the Guest Author:
Nikos Rotsides is the managing Director of Rotsides Law firm in Cyprus specialized in Personal Injury, Family law, work accidents and divorce in Cyprus