Privacy settings no longer buried

Facebook has introduced new profile controls that appear to mimic Google's approach with Google+. Although Facebook users have had access to custom controls over post distribution to different groups, the options were buried in a series of settings pages. The site is introducing inline profile controls, enabling users to make global changes from the main page or choose individual privacy options for each post as it is entered.

The drop-down menus appear directly next to the Post button and in the Edit Profile interface. Users can quickly pick public or friends, while a custom choice leads to additional options. The updates bring functionality similar to Google+ circles, which provides direct control over post routing to various groups.

Facebook has also introduced an option to review and approve tagged photos taken and posted by other users. In the past, images that a user might not post themselves on a public profile, such as partying snapshots, would nonetheless arrive on their profile if they happened to be uploaded and tagged by friends. The site also now enables users to review and approve tags that other users try to add to their photos and posts.

To help users determine how their profile appears to others, Facebook has also moved the "View Profile As..." button to the top of a profile rather than deeper in the settings menus.

By Electronista Staff