On Facebook? You're an open book now as EU warns of 'unacceptable' privacy risk



Facebook is under fire from security experts after making it more difficult for its users to keep personal details private.

A European watchdog said it was unacceptable that 400million members had no option but to share some personal details after the site changed security settings.

Potentially sensitive information that users were previously able to hide - such as their profile photographs - is now automatically on display to everyone else on Facebook, from potential bosses to fraudsters and sex pests.



Facebook requires users to opt-out rather than opt-in to services that share their personal information

Even those who do not use the site can see these details by typing a name into search engines.

Default settings introduced in December mean other sensitive information - such as updates on where members are going, what they are doing and their list of friends - is now also automatically made public unless otherwise specified.



Facebook users can also see information written about users' family, relationships and home town.

The company, which has long been criticised for disregarding the fundamental right to privacy, says it has simply made its settings easier to use.

But critics claim that the reverse is true and that millions of members actually have less control of their personal information.

An influential group of data protection experts advising the EU, known as the Article 29 Working Party, has issued Facebook with a strongly-worded reprimand.

Their letter states: 'It is unacceptable that the company fundamentally changed the default settings on its social-networking platform to the detriment of a user.'

Founded in 2004 by Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, the website was initially limited to students but its user base has grown to include anyone over 12.

But the ease of use also opens the door to abuse. With no checks that the information posted on the site is true, there is nothing to stop paedophiles posing as children in order to groom victims.

Facebook says it is at the ' forefront' of social networking privacy controls - and that if people are uncomfortable with the idea of others viewing their information, they can choose not to enter it in the first place.

Staff at Facebook's California headquarters were today due to discuss the privacy concerns.

How to keep your Facebook information private

On Facebook click on the 'Account' button on the top right of the screen. Drop down to 'Privacy Buttons.'

Click on 'Applications and Websites.'



Next to 'What you Share' click on 'Learn More.' Click on 'this page' highlighted in blue at the bottom of the text. For each application go to 'Edit Settings' and make it as secure as you want.

Also consider editing 'What your friends can show about you' under Applications and Websites.

Finally look at your settings for 'Instant Personalization Pilot Program'. Uncheck the box that allows Facebook partners to access your public information when you arrive on their websites.