Social networks are websites through which millions of people connect, united by shared interests or specializations. Members can share files, photos, exchange videos, create blogs, send messages, and have instant conversations. They are called "social" networks because they enable people to connect with friends and classmates and strengthen bonds between members across the internet. Among the most popular social networks in the world are Facebook and X (Twitter).
Privacy on Social Media Sites
Privacy and the debate around social media use is one of the most controversial topics today. Many critics of social media focus on the "weakness" of privacy — a concern that becomes especially valid when discussing the default privacy settings on these platforms. It has been observed that default settings on social networks tend to make much of a user's profile content available and shared with other websites or registered users on Facebook by default.
User privacy must therefore be respected by giving users a choice rather than assuming a default value — especially in privacy options. On the other hand, many users find Facebook to be a great and effective place to connect with friends and do not want to abandon their profiles over privacy concerns. At the same time, social media platforms do allow users the freedom to adjust their privacy options however they wish. This guide will walk through some steps that help protect your privacy on social media, and then specifically on Facebook.
How to Protect Your Privacy on Social Media
To protect your privacy from exploitation, fraud, and surveillance when using social media, follow these preventive measures:
First: Avoid sharing information you don't want others to see with any person or organization. Anything you put on the internet can travel and be accessed easily. Be cautious before sharing personal information that could be exploited by fraudsters. Before posting photos or videos, ask yourself whether you are comfortable with your entire family, friends, current and future colleagues, and even strangers seeing that content — because in all cases, there is a chance it could become publicly available.
Second: If you plan to use Facebook for business or gaming purposes, create a separate account. This way, your family and close friends won't be mixed with thousands of strangers you only know through social games like Farmville or your e-commerce activities.
Third: Be cautious when adding strangers to your friends list.
Fourth: Adjust your privacy settings. Be aware that default settings allow more information to be shared than you may want. Remember that Facebook has commercial interests and wants access to your data. Check your privacy settings at least once a month due to the frequent updates the platform makes.
Fifth: Be careful when dealing with Apps, as they request access to your personal information and you have no way of knowing how that information will be used. This is equivalent to opening your front door to a stranger and telling them you'll be back shortly — leaving them free to do as they please.
Sixth: Do not use the same password for your Facebook account as you use for other accounts such as email or bank accounts.
Always remember that in this digital age, most of your personal information is available to others — but by following these steps, you can retain some protection and privacy. If you don't want anyone to know a certain piece of information, simply don't post it and follow the first rule.
Your Privacy on Facebook
To see how your profile appears to others, follow these steps:
Account > Privacy Settings > Personal Information and Posts
Then click on "Preview My Profile"
Through this same path, you can reset many important settings and choose who sees your information, including: your date of birth (which can be used to access sensitive data), personal information, your interests, the option to allow others to post on your wall, and the privacy setting for each photo album.
If you have a diverse friends list and want to share certain information only with some of them, you can divide your friends list using "Lists". Through Lists, you can control exactly what you share and with whom.
To create a list, go to Account > Edit Friends, then click "Create New List". For example, if you want to share a photo of your newborn only with relatives, you can customize that through the album settings or any post you make on your wall. Follow the two steps shown in the interface to do so.
Privacy standards differ from person to person — some information one person considers private, another may not. Therefore, it is not possible to apply universal privacy settings, but it is always possible to provide the tools and let users customize them. Notably, whenever Facebook updates its privacy policy or adds a new feature, it displays a notification on the homepage at login directing you to review your privacy settings — which is a positive practice on their part.