Facebook explains latest privacy changes

Facebook is trying to explain its new privacy settings

Facebook has again attempted to quell fears about recent privacy changes in a bid to enhance its public image.

Monica Horak, an associate in Facebook's user operations team, said in a blog post entitled Answering Recent Questions on Privacy Controls that the company wants to counter the public impression that its new settings are too complicated.

The post is accompanied by a video designed to help users better understand the new settings, particularly concerning controls over applications and web sites.

One immediate change to Facebook is the inclusion of a padlock symbol next to the user's status updates. Clicking this icon lets users customise who can access what information.

"Click the lock icon to choose who can see a post: everyone, friends of friends, friends only or a customised setting," said Horak.

"In the customised settings you can select specific people to include or exclude, as well as target the post to go to specific Friend lists."

Horak also explained what Facebook is doing to help protect its users against external malicious threats, such as phishing attacks and spam.

The blog post addressed one of the most contentious elements of Facebook, namely the information it shares with third parties.

Facebook still does not offer an opt-in for this information sharing, but has promised to make it easier to turn off the instant personalisation programme that shares information with third-party applications and sites.