Computer and Library Learning (Archived)

Facebook is introducing changes that allow users to allow or reject photographs and posts in which users are tagged before the content is attached to their profiles. Arguably, these changes are in response to Google Plus and its emphasis on selective sharing within small groups. The Facebook Blog published the post “Making It Easier to Share With Who You Want”, including information on one’s profile (i.e. inline profile controls, profile tag review, content tag review) and sharing (inline controls, word change “everyone” to “public”, changing one’s mind after posting, tagging someone or what to discuss, tag locations in posts, remove tags or content from Facebook). Facebook users are now able to approve tags before they are published, decide who is allowed to view posts, change the privacy setting for any profile item, determine the default privacy setting for posts, and preview one’s public profile. There is an option to remove tagging from photographs and the ability to disable automatic tagging by opening Account > Privacy Settings > Things other people share > Suggest photos of me to friends > Edit Settings > Select Disabled.

Opinion is divided on whether the changes to the privacy settings amount to anything. Even if one rejects a post or photo, it can still appear on a friend’s profile and allow everyone to see it, provided that the friend’s privacy settings permit it. However, Facebook has committed to tightening security controls on users’ personal information, especially on underage minors.