Facebook unveils privacy education feature for new users

Facebook also added privacy controls that let new users choose which people can view their education and employer information when they enter it into their profile during the sign-up process.

The social network said the new-user education feature incorporated suggestions from the Irish Data Protection Commissioner’s Office. Last year the commissioner completed a sweeping audit of Facebook’s privacy policies and told the company to do a better job of explaining to its users how the site and third-party applications manage personal data, the Financial Times reported at the time.

In the U.S., Facebook settled with the Federal Trade Commission in August on its privacy policies. 

The social network said most new users will be able to see the privacy updates during the sign-up process on Friday.

Facebook Chief Privacy Officer Erin Egan said the release of the privacy tour for new users underscores the social network’s commitment to protecting users’ privacy.

“We’re pleased to be rolling out more prominent and detailed privacy information to new users as soon as they begin the account sign-up process and we appreciate the guidance we’ve received from the Irish Data Protection Commissioner’s Office as we strive to highlight the many resources and tools we offer to help people control their information on Facebook,” Egan said.