Facebook Simplifies its Privacy Policy for Better User Comprehension

Facebook recently updated its privacy policy, both in terms of content and language. The policy still reflects how it handles user data, but now does it in a more simplified and aesthetically pleasing manner that can be easily understood by users. According to The Wall Street Journal, this meant removing at least two-thirds of content from the original privacy policy in an effort to “get more people to read and comprehend the terms they must agree to in order to use the service.” The new policy totals an approximate 2,700 words, whereas the original policy was over 9,000 words long.

Figure 1

As seen above in Figure 1, the privacy policy is highly interactive, color coded, and divided into essential sections that people can click on for quick reference. Erin Egan, Facebook’s Chief Privacy Officer, said that the goal was to make information about the social network “as clear as possible,” so that users would not spend so much time reading through everything.

In a separate blog post by Egan, she highlighted some privacy basics that would go with the new changes, as well as some tips on how to get the most out of the Facebook experience. The importance of privacy is still stressed, however, as she makes it clear that Facebook wants its users to understand how it receives and uses data, even in the most unusual of circumstances.

For example, understanding battery and signal strength helps make sure our apps work well on your device. We ask for permission to use your phone’s location to offer optional features like check-ins or adding your location to posts.

Facebook has been hounded in the past by privacy advocates for not adequately disclosing how it uses the data it gathers from users. In 2011, the social network had to settle charges with the Federal Trade Commission, which claimed that Facebook deceived its users by stating that it would keep their information private, but then repeatedly made this information public.

The social network has since taken steps to win back users who have become disenchanted with the service, such as giving them the ability to opt out of ads, and providing better control over what data is collected and shared.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Facebook is allowing its users to comment on the new privacy policy changes for the week, after which it will review all the feedback before releasing a final version of the policy that will take effect after 30 days.

What do you think of the new changes to Facebook’s privacy policy? Will more people understand what is being done with their data or will it be “business as usual” for Facebook? Let us know what you think in the Comments below.

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