Facebook At Last Bows to Child Protection Pressure over Default Security Settings and More

After growing pressure from internet security groups, Facebook has finally announced it is to review its privacy settings.

The ever-popular social networking site had previously refused to subscribe to a "red button" scheme, which would enable users to alert the site if they fell victim to abuse.  As a result, the website came under fire from child protection agencies, although the site now seems to have taken on board that changes need to be implemented.

Simpler controls will make it easier for users to decide who can and cannot see their personal information, as previous attempts at this had been deemed too complicated.

There has also been a reduction in the amount of information that can be viewed publically, Facebook revealed, meaning that only the name, profile picture, gender and networks of a user will now be shown through default.

Furthermore, there is the option for people to opt-out of features such as the "instant personalisation pilot program", which enables external sources to tailor their content to individuals.

A number of the site's subscribers had threatened to delete their accounts if privacy settings were not tightened up by Facebook bosses.