Get All Access for $5/mo

Facebook Rolls Out Site-Wide 'Privacy Checkup,' Revamps Default User Settings Rather than assuming that new users wish to share their feeds with the entire Internet, Facebook will now implement default sharing among 'Friends.'

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

When it comes to user privacy, Facebook has woven a tangled web. It is often unclear to even the site's most longstanding users with whom -- and with which apps -- they are sharing personal data.

Now, in the face of swelling criticism -- particularly on the heels of its $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp -- Silicon Valley's "Big Blue" is perhaps looking to cover its tracks. Today, Facebook announced a site-wide "privacy checkup" for each of its 1.3 billion users.

The tool will roll out over the next few weeks, Facebook said, guiding users to "review things like who they're posting to, which apps they use, and the privacy of key pieces of information on their profile."

Related: Facebook Reportedly Developing Its Own Snapchat -- Again

Facebook has also changed its default settings for new users who join the network. Rather than posting to "Public," the site will initially assume that users only want to share information with their "Friends."

In the announcement, Facebook pointed to other privacy initiatives it has introduced in recent months. These include added reminders, revamped audience selectors on its iPhone app, a redesigned app dashboard and an Anonymous Login feature, which enables anonymous app use.

But as it seeks to clamp down on privacy, Facebook is also adding new components that continue to blur the lines between intuition and intrusion. A new feature, announced yesterday, can automatically identify -- and share via status update -- songs, TV shows or movies that happen to be playing in the background whenever an audio icon is illuminated.

Related: As Mark Zuckerberg Turns 30, His 10 Best Quotes as CEO

Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.