Facebook makes big changes to simplify privacy controls

Consumer Reports News: August 23, 2011 04:08 PM

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Facebook announced plans to change its privacy and security policies and to simplify settings that allow its members greater control over what personal information is shared with others on the social network.

The changes, which go into effect Thursday, aren't as earth-shattering as, say, a complete redesign of the Facebook website. But they do incorporate much finer controls over who sees what about you. Some of the new options:

Who sees what you post
Members get to choose who can read the posts they place on their Walls. A drop-down box will offer Public (previously called Everyone), Friends, or Friends of Friends as options. Later, member-created classifications of online associates—Co-workers, for example—may be added to the choices that appear.

Changes to already-published wall posts
Members can edit posts that have already been placed on their walls—so your boss doesn't see that old note you wrote about his management style, for instance. Previously, once wall post was up, the only option was to take it down completely if you wanted to avoid total embarrassment.

There are other changes—including tagging photos and mobile options—that will be coming on Thursday and beyond. Facebook plans to offer interactive tutorials alongside each new feature to instruct users on the changes as they're rolled out.

Consumer Reports privacy and security experts will take a closer look and weigh in as warranted. But for now, the coming changes could be welcomed relief to the recent rise in Facebook scams and privacy concerns. (Read: Seven things to stop doing on Facebook and Consumer Reports' Guide to Online Security for other tips on how to protect yourself.

What changes would you like to see in Facebook?

Facebook simplifies privacy features [USA Today]
Facebook Rolls Out Major, Sweeping Privacy Changes [Business Insider]

—Paul Eng