DHAKA: World’s largest social media website Facebook dramatically shortened the length of its privacy policy to help users better understand how it uses their data.

Facebook, on Thursday, debuted a new version of its privacy policy. The new policy is about 70 percent shorter and written using simpler language than the previous policy.

Facebook will officially put the new policy into effect 30 days after reviewing comments submitted before a November 20 deadline. 

The new policy is 2,700 words, down from more than 9,000, Facebook said. It is color-coded with graphics marking major subject areas, like “How do we use this information?” and “How can I manage or delete information about me?”

"Our goal is to make the information about Facebook as clear as possible. Our hope is that it won't take long for people to read through this and really get it." Erin Egan

Chief Privacy Officer at Facebook 

The new policy includes a tutorial that explains in plain language things like who can view profiles (and how they'll appear to others), how to control who sees posts, and how to deactivate or permanently delete an account. 

The privacy tutorial also includes tips for how users can customize the kinds of ads that appear in their News Feed. Facebook frequently tweaks the News Feed to surface more relevant content to users and to limit the amount of low-quality clickbait that appears.

Source: Circa News. The Wall Street Journal

BDST: 2125 HRS, NOV 13, 2014