http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Jeff%20Cohen/2011_07_26_JC%20110726%20Jepsen%20WNPR.mp3
State Attorney General George Jepsen says his office has reached an agreement with Facebook that satisfies his concerns about user privacy. WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports.
Jepsen announced the changes Facebook has made at a press conference.
“As a result of many hours of discussion and negotiation, Facebook has made significant changes to its social media website that will provide better service and greater privacy protection to its users, not only in Connecticut but across the country.”
Specifically, Jepsen said he had two main concerns. First was the website’s “tag suggest” feature, which he says allows users to identify people with facial recognition software.
“I was concerned that Facebook users were not given adequate notice of the feature or clear instructions on how to disable it. Facebook has developed a series of online ads that link users to their privacy settings where those users can opt out of the feature if they so choose.”
Jepsen says the ads began last month. A new ad begins this week, and he says each user should see it at least twice.
His other concern was the company’s process for dealing with fake user profiles – something that touched a Connecticut state representative who recently had a fake account created in her name. Jepsen says Facebook has made reporting such imposter profiles easier, and that it has improved its response time.
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In statement, Facebook said the changes will mean its users will be more aware of its privacy settings and how to use them.
For WNPR, I’m Jeff Cohen.
