Facebook privacy changes do not go far enough to protect users

(28/05/2010)

Facebook users have been organising boycotts over accusations the site has made it too simple for criminals and stalkers to see personal information because privacy settings were too complex. The social networking site has now announced it is boosting privacy protection for members in the face of growing anger at security controls.

Facebook have focused on three things: a single control for content, more powerful controls for basic information and an easy control to turn off all applications. They will be rolling out these changes over the next few weeks.

However, F-Secure feels these changes do not go far enough to protect the social networking site’s users. Sean Sullivan, F-Secure Security Advisor believes that “the site remains a real opportunity for any committed cyber criminals and the new settings will do little to assuage the concerns of those that feel they are being targeted by commercial interests.”

“In essence, this is nothing more than a cosmetic change. The site remains a real opportunity for any committed cyber criminals and the new settings will do little to assuage the concerns of those that feel they are being targeted by commercial interests.

“There are no new controls to heighten privacy and protect users’ information from falling into the wrong hands; all Facebook has done is institute a new layout. The new interface is designed to help users understand the numerous privacy controls that Facebook continues to add to block identified loopholes, but in reality, this is likely to have little or no impact. Facebook should be doing more to explain the importance of users keeping some of their personal information to themselves. Sharing is useful and even somewhat necessary to help friends find each other but there are limits. You shouldn’t share too much.

“The site is also still failing to provide adequate “tools”. The preview function, for example, allows users to understand the information that people can view on their page. This function gives just two options – ‘Everyone’ or to a specific person. The tool does not offer a tailored preview just for “Friends of Friends” or “Friends”. This means that while users might understand the controls, they still lack the necessary means of implementing them correctly to their personal preferences.

“Undoubtedly, people who voiced concerns over the visibility of private information on Facebook will continue to have concerns as the new changes have done little or nothing to prevent unwarranted access to personal information.”

Related topics:  Data management and data security 

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