Facebook unveils new privacy options

Users given more control over access settings.

Social networking giant Facebook is planning to once again overhaul its privacy controls.

Chief privacy officer Chris Kelly said in a company blog posting that the new privacy options would be designed to simplify management while giving users greater control over what information is shared with others.

"The power to share is the cornerstone of Facebook," wrote Kelly.

"Privacy and the tools for tailoring what information is shared with whom are at the heart of trust."

To increase privacy, the company is offering users a single page from which privacy settings can be applied. Additionally, the company is planning to integrate a single drop-down menu for posted items which will allow users to set access rules on the individual items.

Privacy settings have long been a point of contention between Facebook and its user base. In 2007, the company touched off a privacy outcry when it unveiled the controversial Beacon advertising tool. More recently, the company was forced to backpedal on its terms and conditions.

The social networking site itself has also been a hot-button issue in the enterprise IT field. While administrators and managers worry about the security and productivity risks of Facebook and other networking services, users also run the risk of embarrassing photos or postings being spotted by current or perspective employers.