The deputy general counsel for Facebook, Michael Richter, announced in a posting that Facebook would be revising their privacy policy again, and giving users a chance to provide feedback on some of the purposed changes.
The post talks about location sharing, which would add a location to something a user posts. This was Facebook’s original intent, but has since changed to the concept of adding a “Place”, such as a page to a restaurant. This is a concept that Facebook is currently testing on some individuals, using QR Codes.
QR Codes can be read through a mobile phone, using its camera. The QR Code can hold information that will be either retrieved in a readable format, or included as a hyperlink to website.
Facebook also mentioned it will be revising its sharing and connection settings, where users either become a fan of a page, opening a two-way connection between the user and the fan page. When a user shares a photo or link on their page, this opens a one-way connection between friends, but Facebook will be making this clearer by giving the user control over the privacy settings.
Facebook is also revising their applications and third-party websites, which currently allows users to interact with their Facebook friends outside of the website. Currently, this requires small amounts of information to function, and Facebook said they will be updating their privacy settings to give users more control over what information is sent.
However, Facebook is also planning to introduce a small set of pre-approved websites that will be able to offer users a more personalized experience when users visit their website. The post mentions that these select group of partners would be able to access features only available to them.
Facebook’s proposed privacy policy mentions that if a friend visits one of these selected websites, general information about you and your friend will be collected. If both of you have an account on the website, your friend can be connected with you. Facebook does have an opt-out program available when this launches.
Users are asked to read the proposed changes to their privacy policy, and provide feedback before 12:00am PDT on April 3, 2010.
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