Facebook's New Privacy Features

By BARCODE 2x

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has published an open letter to all users, announcing upcoming changes. Though he still stresses self-management of private information, he is implementing new user controls over who can read what. In his December 2, 2009 letter he states:

"We're adding something that many of you have asked for — the ability to control who sees each individual piece of content you create or upload."

It's as though he was reading my mind. In our latest forum posting, we ask our readers to offer suggestions on how students and teachers should use Facebook, or any other social networks. This will allow greater privacy for both parties, and will enable users more options to hide specific aspects of their lives from the people who don't need to see it. And therein lie many different kinds of risks.

This may give teachers more "internet rights". For example, a teacher may be able to wall post to a friend about something inappropriate. They can talk about partying in their status area. They can use it as other people do, to meet new people, to flirt, to fight, to do all the things that they may not want their students to see.

And students now can do the same. They may now be able to talk about academic dishonesty, underage drinking, drugs, promiscuity, and anything else they would not want parents or teachers to see. Stuff they definitely want their friends to see. They can keep more of their activities private now. Kids are going to love this new feature.

This may open doors to more private posting and messaging to the wrong people too. Predators may be able to sneak around easier, and more often. With more privacy comes greater risk.

In the coming months, a2ethics.org is working on creating a new, safe way for students and teachers to coexist online. We will keep you posted on the details, and we will continue to follow the outcome of Facebook's new features. Meanwhile, here is Zuckerberg's parting message:

"We've worked hard to build controls that we think will be better for you, but we also understand that everyone's needs are different. We'll suggest settings for you based on your current level of privacy, but the best way for you to find the right settings is to read through all your options and customize them for yourself. I encourage you to do this and consider who you're sharing with online."

For Mark Zuckerberg's full letter, click here.