Facebook explains latest privacy changes

Facebook has again attempted to quell fears about recent privacy changes in a bid to enhance its public image.

Monica Horak, an associate in Facebook's user operations team, said in a blog post entitled Answering Recent Questions on Privacy Controls that the company wants to counter the public impression that its new settings are too complicated.

The post is accompanied by a video designed to help users better understand the new settings, particularly concerning controls over applications and web sites.

One immediate change to Facebook is the inclusion of a padlock symbol next to the user's status updates. Clicking this icon lets users customise who can access what information.

"Click the lock icon to choose who can see a post: everyone, friends of friends, friends only or a customised setting," said Horak.

"In the customised settings you can select specific people to include or exclude, as well as target the post to go to specific Friend lists."

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