Initial thoughts on new Facebook privacy settings

By Noah Geisel

Facebook is rolling out a flurry of changes and some of them relate to privacy. From what I read at AllThingsFacebook it's not hitting all users at once so I don't know how many of you have already had a chance to explore. So far, my own clicking around hasn't revealed anything that reduces your level of privacy. In fact, some changes could make it more secure for you, depending on your current settings.

The most notable new feature is that when you update your status, you will see a drop down menu just to the left of the "Post" button.



This allows you to choose between Friends (only your friends can see it), Public (this used to be Everyone) and Custom. If you've created groups, then Custom allows you to send the status only to the specific users you choose. Whichever audience you select, it will be the new default setting until you change it. Also, Facebook says that any changes to your security settings automatically update with your mobile app.

If you're the type of person who wants their profile to be on lock down, choose Friends or take the extra step of setting up groups. If you're not sure what your settings are or want to do a quick double-check, The 10 Facebook Privacy Settings You Need to Know is a great resource to walk you through it. (Caveat: Posted in February, so it may not be up to date.)

A 21st Century Dilemma

Interesting question from Ann Darling popped up in the comments of the Blocking discussion over at ISTE:

Is it ethical to use web 2.0 tools in classrooms knowing that our students must provide personal information to create their accounts?

Hmm. Talk about ethical dilemmas!

We all know that an alias and an alt Gmail account pwn any Web 2.0 log-in without giving away any personal information. We also know how annoying it is to have to deal with anons on blogs or discussion boards.

So, the dilemma: Do you let kids alt their way around outmoded firewalls and proceed anonymously through Web 2.0, or do you teach them to approach social media in an open manner and risk whatever consequences?

Big Brother in Class

Reader Ann on Big Brother in the Classroom:

I also use a big brother program-that is what I call it in class. I was so excited when I got it that I had a lot of fun taking over student's computers and sending them funny notes. Now it is a big joke in class. I made it clear to everyone that I could see what they were doing and keep track of it, and this became part of the larger conversation about the internet and privacy. I have many students that use myspace and youtube and don't think about what material they are putting out there to the public, so it becomes very valuable to discuss the idea of "time and place".

My students use email to turn in work and access their google accounts, so they are on it. That is okay with me. I feel the same way about cell phones--I am not going to put the effort into banning them because I know it is futile, and that doesn't help students navigate the rest of the world. So I focus on etiquette and responsibility. I don't want to police my students, I want them to think about what they are doing and make wise choices. So far, so good. I have more problems of kids shopping for shoes during class then inappropriate emails.

This really does turn into a life-lesson about privacy on the net. In myriad ways, everything we do -- particularly with Web 2.0 apps -- becomes an issue of privacy. In a way, though, I think the Internet may be forcing us into a broader analysis of just what 'privacy' means; and I think -- in the sense that this conversation can direct the future of Internet culture -- that this is good for culture in general.