Facebook puts new rules into effect
Facebook users had the opportunity to vote on the terms of service and privacy policy of the world's largest online network. Since participation was less than 0.04 percent, Facebook is now simply implementing the new rules.
Facebook has directly implemented the planned changes to the rules for use and data protection after a member vote failed due to the high participation hurdle. Facebook's Head of Communications Elliot Schrage defended the decision by claiming that the new guidelines would ensure greater transparency. In addition, Facebook had received positive reactions from regulators and data protection experts, Schrage wrote in a blog post. However, by the end of the week on Friday evening, only 342,632 Facebook members had cast their vote - less than 0.04 percent. There was an overwhelming rejection of the new guidelines among the participants in the vote: Only 44,749 voted in favor, 297,883 against.
Data is stored for longer
The vote came about because more than 7,000 users had submitted comments on the proposed changes to the data usage policy published in mid-May. In this case, the Facebook rules stipulate that all members can vote on a draft. However, for the result of the vote to be binding for the online network, 30 percent of active users must participate.
In addition to numerous clarifications and specifications, Facebook's draft privacy policy also provides for some information to be retained for longer than before. "We will retain data for as long as necessary to provide services to users and others. This broader commitment applies to all the data we collect and receive about you, including information from advertisers," it says at one point. At the same time, Facebook emphasizes that data relating to social plugins such as the "Like" button is stored for a maximum of 90 days.
Criticism from data protectionists
Data protectionists had criticized the procedure as a farce, partly due to the high participation hurdle. In addition, Facebook had not sufficiently informed its members about the vote. Schrage explained that Facebook had made "considerable efforts to make the vote simple and accessible". Among other things, users were informed about the vote with the help of advertisements.
In view of the efforts and the ultimately low level of participation, Facebook wants to put the process to the test and consider how user participation can be improved in the future. The 30 percent rule dates back to a time when the network had significantly fewer members. (SDA/DPA)
