Oh, Zuckerberg. You said you heard us. You said you’d change. You said, “There needs to be a simpler way to control your information. …We will add privacy controls that are much simpler to use.”
Today those changes began to roll out and, at first glance, “simpler to use” didn’t quite make the final cut. Here’s a screenshot (two, actually – even rotating my 24″ monitor sideways couldn’t fit the entire 1,091 word instruction manual into one shot). Click for larger images:
1. I don’t know how anyone defines something as “simpler to use” when they have to take almost 1,100 words to describe how to use it. How many people does he think will take the time to read, comprehend and act on all that?
2. Videos. They’re all the rage online these days. Zuckerberg, try making one the next time you want to explain how “simple” something is to use. It’ll come across better. (Edit: there’s a video here which talks about the changes. It’s not a how-to though, just a lot of PR speak…posted after a 1,189 word blog post on the topic.)
Aside from the length of the document, some of the language is still a bit concerning.
“This section controls what information is shared with websites and applications, including search engines (applications and websites you and your friends use already have access to your name, profile picture, gender, networks, friend list, user ID, and any other information you share with everyone). You can view your applications, remove any you don’t want to use, or turn off platform completely.” (Emphasis added.)
So when my friend uses an application, that application still has access to all my information? Yes, I think that’s what I’m reading.
On the other hand, there are a lot of good things in this update as well. For example, once you click your master switch to only make your content available to your friends (for example), it retroactively goes back and changes everything as well as keeps that setting moving forward.
I’ll dive in, tweak some stuff and let you know if I find anything else noteworthy.
What do you think of the new changes? Are you concerned about your privacy on Facebook? Let me know in the comments.
