Facebook is now listening to how its users feel about the site’s privacy settings. The company has drawn up a potential privacy policy containing changes from recommendations of active Facebook users. Until Friday, June 8th, Facebook users will be allowed to vote on which of the two privacy policies they prefer: the current or new privacy rules. In the new privacy rules, one evident change that was made is the lengthy list of activities that the company is permitted to use in order to collect data from its users. This change may make some Facebook users uncomfortable, so that is something users must consider.
Facebook has declared, “If more than 30% of all active registered users vote, the results will be binding. If turnout is less than 30%, the vote will be advisory.” This means that of its 900 million users, Facebook is requiring at least 270 million of its active users to vote in order to implement the new privacy rules. Although they have received thousands of comments about users opinions and suggestions, Facebook had anticipated something different. They expected more high quality rather than high quantity comments from users. However, Facebook has made an effort to integrate a combination of the old policy and new ideas from its users to produce a more user-accepted privacy policy.
A few months ago Facebook made some adjustments to its Statement of Rights and Responsibilities and Data Use Policy. These sections include information on user privacy and safety on Facebook. Many users suggested more thorough explanations and clearer wording in some areas of the privacy policies. The company has taken into consideration all of the recommendations of its users and incorporated them into the new privacy policy. Now it is up to Facebook users to educate themselves on the potential changes and vote for the policy of their choice.
How do you feel about the changes that are being made? Will you be taking the time to vote for which privacy policy you prefer?
