At Magnify, we talk a lot about privacy online. Often, it’s a debate that reflects the many valid points of view that are surfacing daily online and in traditional media. Much of the controversy surrounds Facebook. Is Facebook truly out to protect user privacy or have they been intentionally burying default settings? Who knows? The legalities alone are mind numbing nevermind the moral implications.
Does it need to be this complicated?
Here’s the thing. Facebook is about sharing your personal or business story with a hand selected group. Why not take privacy matters into our own hands and broadcast personal privacy guidelines to friends? I’ve done it here simply by adding a para under my photo.
It would be even easier if Facebook dedicated a space for this and included default text such as
This profile is where I share personal information with friends. Please do not share any content you find here.
or
Hey Guys, My life is an open book. You are welcome to share anything you find here with anyone you find there.
or
This is where Acme Business shares news, tips, and discounts. Feel free to share any of the content you find here.
What matters in my mind, is that your FB tribe knows the intent of your profile. (I’d argue it’s a good idea to define the purpose and parameters of every social media profile, whether you make them public or not.)
The risk remains that your “friends” won’t observe your wishes. All the more reason to pay attention to who you let into your tribe. Personally, I’d love to know how my Facebook friends view their content and I’d be more than happy to respect their wishes.
What do you think?
Best,
Moyra
