Facebook, the social media giant, released new privacy settings that requires outside applications and websites to tell users what parts of their profiles are visible for the apps to work. Facebook said on their blog, “Today [June 30, 2010], we’re taking the next step by providing more transparency and control over the information you share with third-party applications and websites with a new, simpler application authorization process.”
On the social media site the applications already have existing permission agreements to have access to users profiles, but in the initial permission requests it did not specify what information the applications would be accessing.
Under the new settings, the applications will show what parts of the user profiles will be provided to the servicers. By default, the applications will only have access to information that is public. However, the users will not be able to choose what information will be granted access to. Users must grant permission for the application to be used or disallow the application from working at all.
In an effort to please the users, Facebook continues to listen and adjust to the users requests. The social media network understands that the information provided by the users is theirs. So, in response to the uproar last month, Facebook simplified its privacy settings, however, some critics still say it isn’t enough.
Written By Valerie Y.