Mark Zuckerberg reveals Facebook's simplified privacy settings

Filed under: Security, Web services, Social Software

Facebook promised users that it would simplify their privacy options, and now Mark Zuckerberg is delivering, speaking to the press at a conference in the company's Palo Alto offices. The new privacy controls feature an at-a-glance look at what you're sharing, and a way to turn off all applications. Your block lists are easier to find, too.

They've also cut back on the info that must be visible to everyone, so you don't always have to expose your friends and pages in search results. If you don't like applications and games on Facebook, you can totally turn off the new Facebook Platform with one click. That plugs any holes where your data could be shared with apps or websites.

If you don't like these changes, you'd better suck it up and get used to them, because Zuckerberg says Facebook intends to keep this privacy model in place for a long time. He's framing this as less stressful for Facebook users (who, let's be honest, tend to hate change) but it also implies that the debate is over.

Did the privacy advocates win, or did Facebook just throw them a bone? Check out the new privacy screen and offer your opinion in the comments.

Mark Zuckerberg reveals Facebook's simplified privacy settings originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 26 May 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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