Facebook Privacy - Revisited

Further to our previous posts on Facebook privacy, I recently encountered two web sites which allow users to automatically scan their Facebook privacy settings and correct those settings that present privacy risks.

• Reclaimprivacy.org provides scripts which examine a user's Facebook privacy settings.  To do this, the user creates a bookmark/favorite for the script link, then logs into Facebook and visits his/her privacy settings.  Clicking on the script bookmark then runs the scripts, which report any issues.  Users can then choose whether or not to correct the identified "problems."
• Saveface, a service from the folks at Untangle (the site-blocking software that you have no doubt had the occasion to swear at when it prevents you from visiting a web site at school) provides much the same service as reclaimprivacy.org.  Unfortunately, Saveface takes a no-holds-barred, heavy-handed approach similar to its parent (Untangle).  The scripts provide no opportunity for user intervention or input; they simply change all settings to "Friends Only." In my case, I had travel photos which were in no way of a personal nature; therefore, I had set these albums to "Everyone."  Saveface self-righteously assumed it knew better and changed these settings without asking for confirmation.

In short, I would recommend reclaimprivacy.org for folks who find navigating the labyrinth of Facebook privacy settings a bit intimidating.  

Saveface may have a place for parents to set their child's privacy settings quickly and easily; however, I think there is merit in going through privacy settings with your child so that he/she can gain an appreciation for what's involved.  For most users, I wouldn't recommend it.