It should not come as any surprise that Facebook has made some changes to how its privacy policies given the backlash to its everything-is-now-public announcement at the F8 conference.
In response, Facebook has introduced "simpler and more powerful controls for sharing personal information." The idea is that Facebook's confusing and ever-changing private setting are now easier to use, which should appease the politicians and critics who caused such a fuss.
Before anyone gets too excited, it is important to keep in mind that Facebook's philosophical approach to making more information public as opposed to private still seems to be intact. To boost traffic and generate more traffic, Facebook needs more of its content to be public as opposed to hidden for friends and family only.
By extending an olive branch – easier, user-friendly privacy settings – Facebook has only conceded that the previous privacy settings weren't easy or user-friendly.
It's a smart public relations gesture but it's also important to recognize Facebook is counting on the fact most people don't think too much of their privacy, or don't bother tweaking their privacy settings.
The other interesting issue is why Facebook has a history of making aggressive strategic moves, and then having to take a step back after the proverbial crap hits the fan.
The controversy about the much-criticized Beacon should have given Facebook a playbook what not to do, yet the latest privacy fiasco seems to suggest it didn't learn anything.
This may have to do with Facebook's strategic brilliance of taking two steps forward and one step back, or an organization that despite its size is still immature.
The problems with the new privacy policy raise the idea about whether there's a senior leadership issue. As much as Mark Zuckerberg has overseen tremendous growth, it may be time for Facebook to consider some senior management changes.
For more, check out Zuckerberg's post on the Facebook blog.
Agreed. This is merely an olive branch with plenty of leaves to cover up what is really going on. Mister Zuckerberg (Maybe using Mister is wrong because he seems to still have the selfish mentality of a child) Is playing with a fickle and easily distracted yet very intelligent crowd. He is probable too young to remember the mad dash from the then powerful MySpace to the new Facebook of 2005. I think he does a great diss service to his “content” by thinking they are so attached to his site alone.
http://www.distility.com/rebranding-branding/
Mark Zuckerberg is almost in a catch-22. Historically, and recently with his video post/blog, he has personally addressed issues that the masses have complained about. By dealing with it at a personal level, he comes off as a down to earth, normal guy just trying to make great software.
On the other hand, as you mentioned, perhaps it IS time for Facebook to grow up and look for new leadership. I say that it is a catch-22 because every action he takes is a conflict between showing sympathy for the users and showing strong business leadership. Not to say that a seasoned CEO would ignore the privacy complaints, but maybe he/she would.
Ian,
Zuckerberg has had an amazing run as Facebook’s CEO. The question is whether the company has got to the point where someone with more experience should step up to take it to the next level from a business and operational perspective. The guys at Yahoo faced the same decision, although Jerry Yang did come back.
mark
History shows that as long as a company is growing, C level management remains in tact.
If FB was a public company, how would Zuckerberg fair? Or will it just be able the money?
Hey there,
My name is Adrian Ma and I work for CBC.ca. We recently posted a piece in which two social media experts discuss privacy concerns and social network safety. You may find it interesting.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourinterview/2010/05/privacy-online-how-to-stay-secure-in-the-age-of-social-media.html
Adrian,
Thanks for the comment and the link.
cheers, Mark
I totally agree with the point that maybe FB needs new leadership at the top. It is a great thing for a company to be ran by management that is home-grown but they will only get you so far before they are in over their heads. Being able to function and prosper at the next level requires some type of leadership that understands what it takes to sustain. Lets see if they can make the right decision.