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Released: May 26, 2010

Consumer Action responds to Facebook’s new privacy settings

Source: Contact: Michelle De Mooy at (301) 244-5081 (media inquiries only)

Consumer Action responded to Facebook’s announced changes to its privacy settings, which the company says will make it simpler and easier for users to control exactly who sees their information and how they share posted content. Consumer Action provided Facebook with some feedback on the changes before they were announced today and after review, urged the company to go even further to protect online privacy for its users. “With these changes, Facebook appears to be committed to improving user access and control of their privacy settings, and increasing their ability to opt-out of information sharing, but more needs to be done,” said Michelle De Mooy, Senior Associate for National Priorities at Consumer Action. “First and foremost, Facebook should commit to asking its users before any changes to the site, such as sharing their personal information with third parties or automatically enrolling them into new programs [such as “Instant Personalization”] that force them to further link or share their personal information.” De Mooy went on to say that the company must recognize that consumers are increasingly aware of their privacy online and tired of companies giving away their information under the guise of openness. “People care about privacy now more than ever,” De Mooy said. “We are pleased that Facebook has pledged to improve user control and choice and we look forward to working together to help them follow through on this commitment. We believe the company must work with a broad coalition of consumer and privacy advocates, regulators, and legislators in order to raise the bar and lead the industry toward empowering and protecting consumers online. We also hope that this step forward from Facebook will send a message to industry that strong privacy standards aren't just good policy, they're good business." Visit Consumer Acton's "Consumer Alerts" for more detailed information on how to protect your privacy using Facebook’s new settings and controls. For more information on this and other privacy issues, please visit Consumer Action’s educational website www.privacy-information.org and www.consumer-action.org or read some of our free consumer education materials.