Facebook to give users a say in policy

Facebook is to allow its users to drive future policies governing the site.

Facebook is to allow its users to drive future policies governing the site.

The move follows user outrage last week when Facebook attempted to change the way it stores people’s data.

The social network is to release two proposals for users to read and provide feedback on, driven by increasing concern among members over the way it uses their information.

The Facebook Principles will outline the values driving the site’s development, including topics of ownership and control of information, while the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities will replace the current terms and conditions on the site.

Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, said social networks need to offer alternatives to standard terms and conditions.

“As people share more information on services like Facebook, a new relationship is created between internet companies and the people they serve,” he said. “The past week reminded us that users feel a real sense of ownership over Facebook itself, not just the information they share.”

Facebook’s earlier attempt to retain all user messages, photos and blog posts, even after account closures, was met with complaints from users and privacy groups forcing it to back down.

This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk