Facebook Shares Your Info With Friends’ Apps

Changes to Facebook’s “Data Use Policy” are raising some eyebrows.

Facebook made a significant, but highly unnoticed, change to its privacy policy on Sept. 23rd, wiping out the word “privacy” and rebranding it as a “data use” policy.

Late last week, Facebook posted an explainer meant to guide users through Facebook’s policies — reflecting the changes.

The biggest concern for many is the new-found clarity in how easily Facebook can share your information. Facebook’s former policy stated: “When you use an application, your content and information is shared with the application.” The revision amends that line to: “When you or others who can see your content and information use an application, your content and information is shared with the application.” This means when your friends allow an application on their page, they’re also allowing that app to see your information.

Although this is set as the default for users, you can change your privacy settings to block sharing your information with your friends’ apps. Here is a step-by-step guide to do that:

1) On the homepage of Facebook, click the arrow icon next to “Home.” Select “Privacy Settings.” 2) Next to the section, “Apps and Websites,” click “Edit Settings.” 3) Next to the section, “How people bring your info to apps they use,” click “Edit Settings.” 4) You can now “un-check” anything you don’t want your friends’ apps to see. This includes everything from your bio and interests, to your status updates and family. You can also turn off platform apps altogether. But keep in mind that doing so will prevent you from using any apps or games yourself.