Facebook cannot be relieved of it completely, but it can breathe a bit easily as it would not be attacked by multiple organizations and individuals in regards to its privacy concerns.
Noting the complaint list against Facebook, privacy is one issue, which never fails to be on the top of the bill. The problems started since December 2009, as the social networking site had released basic user information to the public, without even obtaining the consent of the user. These details included name, profile picture, location, and gender of users. For its act, Facebook had to face tensed times as concerned Facebook users teamed with the Electronic Privacy Information Center to file a complaint with the FTC.
Facebook took a number of steps to make revisions to its privacy policies, but it never seemed to be sufficient to keep critics out of the said problem. However, past efforts might not have been enough, but the current proposed settlement has a lot to calm things down. It is noted that Facebook would have to get user permission before expanding the visibility of any user-posted content – including images, user information, and posts. Along with it, Facebook would also have to submit to privacy audits from a third party for the next 20 years.
The proposed thoughts still might have a few thoughts to change the said arrangements as Facebook had been attempting to minimize the requirements. A source familiar with the matter specified that Facebook was pushing for just 5 years of audits as opposed to 20. However, Facebook would not want to stretch the talks would have this point as Facebook would want to clear the pending FTC issue so it doesn’t hang over that IPO. Wall Street Journal even noted the social networking giant has plans to come up with their initial public offering anticipated next year.
Next week would see the proposed settlement voted on, but its more than likely that the settlement will be returned for revision.
Facebook’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, seemed to be calm on talks of the site’s privacy concerns, as he said, “It’s getting more and more important to be increasingly clear and give people those controls.” He even chucked the point noting, “I don’t think we’re at the end.”
The case shares a similarity with that of Google Buzz, wherein the search engine giant had admitted that it had committed privacy-related mistakes and had submitted to 20 years of audit. Security lapses were even a problem for the micro-blogging giant, Twitter, wherein it acknowledged security lapses, which made the profiles more vulnerable. The case thus was settled as Twitter submitted to 10 years of audits.
Talking about Facebook’s privacy security tips, Marketing Pilgrim had a few tips, which can be learnt in here.