Facebook are changing their privacy settings… again!

ByCraig Haley

privacy-graphic

That’s right, social media giant Facebook, whose past relationship with privacy can only be described as turbulent at best, is once again changing those pesky privacy settings.

But before you slam your head against the desk at the prospect of meticulously rechecking all your privacy options for the 100th time (which we know you do, right?), it isn’t actually as bad as it sounds.

In fact the change has [likely] come in response to complaints that the existing privacy settings are not intuitive or obvious enough.

Basically, from the reports we have received so far, the change seems to be limited to making the privacy settings more obvious and apparent when you are making posts or uploading photos/videos, and ensuring users understand exactly who they are sharing their posts and information with.

Over the last few weeks, users who have set their privacy settings set to public have reported seeing a popup window appear asking them if they are aware as to who they are sharing their information with.

privacy-checkup

Facebook want to make sure you know who you are sharing posts with

The most noticeable change is the audience inline selector (that allows you to change the audience of a specific posting) that will become more prominent and easier-understand on both the mobile and desktop versions of Facebook. On Facebook mobile this essentially means it will be at the top of a post and not just an icon, but the relevant word instead. (e.g. Public) On Facebook desktop, the dropdown audience selector menu will contain the two most popular options (public and friends) and more information about both.

Reports also suggest that old cover photos can now be made private. Currently any photo in your Cover Photos album (a photo album automatically created to hold your current and past cover photos) is public.

privacy-checkup2

The current and new audience selectors on Facebook desktop.

So these changes seem to be in a more positive light, thankfully. Facebook do not appear to be adding or subtracting any privacy options, auto-enrolling you into anything dodgy or just simply resetting everything – all things they have been accused of doing in the past.

Keep your eyes peeled because Facebook are currently rolling out the changes as we speak. Want to know how to make sure your Facebook account is as secure as it should be – click here to learn how to get your privacy settings right.

What do you think of the new changes?


Did you know that if a friend shares your friends-only status update, it doesn’t mean anyone else can see that update? The update will only be visible on your friend’s wall to mutual friends between you and your friend.

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