Facebook will change Privacy Policy

Facebook has decided to make worldwide changes to its privacy policy resulting from negotiations with Canada's privacy commissioner.

Last month, the social network was found to violate Canadian law by holding on to users' personal data indefinitely.Facebook has now agreed to make changes to the method it handles this information as well as be more transparent about what data it collects and why.

It will also ensure clearly that users can deactivate or delete their account.

"These changes mean that the privacy of 200 million Facebook users in Canada and around the world will be far better protected," said Jennifer Stoddart, Canadian’s privacy commissioner. "We're very pleased Facebook has been responsive to our recommendations."

She further noted that the decision might also have implications for other social networking websites.

Facebook Vice President of Global Communications and Public Policy, Elliot Schrage, believe the new policies set "a new standard for the industry".

'Unrestricted access'

Facebook also said it will make changes that will give users further control over the data they provide to third-party developers of applications, ie: games and quizzes, aside from updating the privacy policy.

There are approximately 950,000 developers in 180 countries that provide applications for the site. The changes will require applications to state which information they wish to access and acquire consent from the user before it is used or shared.

"Application developers have had virtually unrestricted access to Facebook users' personal information," added Ms Stoddart. "The changes Facebook plans to introduce will allow users to control the types of personal information that applications can access."

The site will further encourage users to review their privacy settings and make it clear to users that they can delete or deactivate an account as well as the difference between the two.

Michael Richter of Facebook stressed out that if a user chose to deactivate their account, the site would still store their information "even if it is for 10 years".

"We're committing to that user," he noted. "We want them to know that if they change their mind they can always come back."
The social network confirmed that work on the changes will start immediately but it would take around 12 months to implement.

The regulator began its investigation as a result of complaints by the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC) at the University of Ottawa. Canada is the first to complete a full investigation of Facebook's privacy practices. The country has roughly 12 million Facebook users, about one in three of the population.