Facebook gets criticized time and time again for making it difficult among its users to understand its privacy policy. Most users would describe the company's privacy policy as too complex and lengthy.
This year's new round of policy changes revolves on creating tools that will help the users understand better on using the site's privacy options. The guide is laid out with illustrations and shows brief subsections. The new privacy policy also reveals the types of information that Facebook collects and how the company uses the data it has gathered. Addressing the issue on being lengthy, the new policy is said to be shorter than the previous one by up to 70 percent.
Users can throw in their comments, propose changes or even ask questions about the new privacy policy until Nov. 20. Beyond this date, a finalized version will be made and will soon become in effect.
For the argument on privacy, Facebook's data policy details the type of information that it collects. These would include everything that the user does on Facebook, information on every app that the user connects his account to, stuff that people post or say about the user, and the profiles of each device that he uses whenever he uses the site. Device profiles deliver various information such as Internet provider, phone number, Web browser, device settings, hardware, operating system, unique device ID, and location.
"We're working on ways to show you the most relevant information based on where you are and what your friends are up to," says Facebook.
Facebook promises that it will not give advertisers the user's info such as his real identity and email contact details. It also promises not to share one's unique device ID.
"Facebook does not give third party applications or ad networks the right to use your name or picture in ads," said Facebook in a blog post.
Facebook understands that there are some users who decide to discontinue their Facebook activities and are therefore keen on deleting their account. When the user deletes his account, Facebook will instantly erase the user's photos, posted status updates, and other information from the site's backup servers. All of these should be accomplished within 90 days.
However, there are still quite a few things that have remained unchanged. Facebook can still identify who the user talks to, what type of music he listens to, what TV programs he watches, and what type of restaurants he visits. Facebook will still use information gathered in its advertising scheme.
Users should also remember that there are two kinds of privacy on Facebook. One type deals with what other people can see about the user while the other deals with what Facebook can see about the user as well. The updated privacy basics page appeared like more spotlight has been added to the former while the focus on the latter has been less emphasized.
