Facebook needs no introduction to most of us. It has been an integral part of our lives, allowing us to keep in touch with family and friends, share pictures and videos, and express opinions on topics. It has been around for more than a decade and has grown tremendously, having millions of users around the globe.
However, there has been much controversy surrounding its data privacy settings, after a data breach event exposed how Facebook was collecting and misusing people’s data. In response to this privacy scandal, Facebook has taken a step forward in introducing a new and improved set of privacy settings.
Data Breach Controversy
In early 2018, it was discovered that a data analytics firm named Cambridge Analytica had apparently misused millions of people’s data from Facebook, by harvesting it and using it for political purposes without the users’ consent. The alleged activities of Cambridge Analytica caused an outrage around the world and raised questions about the security of Facebook’s data privacy settings.
Facebook’s response to the data breach included banning the company involved, increased scrutiny of political advertising, and setting up an independent review pool. However, the platform also promised to do more to improve its data privacy settings and provide a safer experience to its users.
Why New Privacy Settings?
Before Facebook introduced its new privacy settings, the existing settings were vulnerable and outdated. For instance, the users’ information was available to an unlimited number of apps and third parties, including companies and organizations.
Moreover, the data-sharing settings of Facebook were such that users had to wade through numerous menus and endless options to manage their privacy settings. In addition, the processes for reporting any privacy infringement were complex and time-consuming. This clearly showed that the existing privacy settings at Facebook were inadequate for protecting the user’ data.
It was in this backdrop that Facebook recognized the need to update its privacy settings and make them easier to access and configure. Thus, it took the step to introduce an improved set of privacy settings.
Overview Of The New Privacy Settings
The new privacy settings by Facebook, called Privacy Basics, are intended to make it easier for users to understand their privacy settings and, in turn, be able to better manage and protect their data.
These new privacy settings have been incorporated into the platform with a simplified design, with options grouped into six main topics. These topics are:
- Your Facebook Overview: Provides an overview of your Facebook settings.
- Your Privacy: Helps you customize your settings to control who can see the information you share.
- tools to Manage Your experience: Allows you to manage how you view and interact with Facebook.
- Ads: Helps you control what ads you see, how Facebook uses your data for ads, and more.
- Facebook Information: Provides you access and control over the data Facebook collects about you, including the data you’ve shared, your URL, your profile information, and more.
- Security: To help keep you secure, Facebook provides helpful tips and tools.
The new privacy settings also enable users to access more comprehensive settings designed to help protect their data. This includes a tool that enables users to remove their data from Facebook, securely download their data, and delete their accounts.
How to Use The New Privacy Settings
To start using the improved privacy settings on Facebook, the user needs to access the Privacy Basics page on the platform. Here, the user can check the settings and make necessary changes or add more details.
Once the user is on the Privacy Basics page, they can click on the “Your Privacy” tab to start customizing their settings. On this page, he or she can:
• Select the audience for the posts they share. (e.g. Public, Friends, Only Me, or Custom)
• Manage the information that is visible in their profile
• Manage the apps and websites that can access the user’s data
• Review the websites and apps from which the user has removed their data
• Select whether their name and profile photo can be used on ads
• And more
The user can also make necessary changes to the other tabs, depending on their requirements.
Testing The New Settings
Once the user finishes making the changes, they can save the settings by clicking on the “Save” button at the bottom of the page. If the user wants to test the changes they have just made, they can preview the settings by clicking on the “Preview My Settings” tab. This page allows the user to see how their posts and profile appear to different people.
Facebook’s new privacy settings are a step in the right direction towards protecting user’s data. These settings make it much easier for users to access and control their privacy settings on the platform, enabling them to make the changes necessary for better protection of their data. Thus, Facebook has delivered on its promise to make its users more secure and protect their data.
