FB urges users to learn about its new tools protecting people’s data

Global social media web, Facebook - as part of its commitment to protecting people's data and details, is urging users to learn more about the new and improved tools that are available via the social media platform.

Obtaining a better understanding of these tools will empower users to take privacy into their owns hands. Users can now download all of the data that Facebook has access to, by simply choosing the general settings tab from their profiles, the company said in a media release issued in Colombo.

Facebook has taken extensive measures to ensure that privacy settings and tools are as accessible as possible, here is an overview of these measures:

New privacy shortcut: This quick and easy to find shortcut menu, enables users to access controls over their data in just a few clicks. The features also provides a thorough overview with clearer explanations on how the privacy controls on the platform work.

Controls that are easier to find and use: The menu now drops down from top to bottom, making key buttons much easier to find. Instead of having the settings spread across 20 different screens - they can now be accessed from a single place.

Tools to find, download and delete your Facebook data: You can go to this tab and delete anything from your timeline or profile that you no longer want appearing on Facebook.

Two- factor authentication: The social media site recently improved its two-factor authentication process, to add another layer of protection over all accounts. The ways in which this authentication can be enabled have been expanded, to cover even users without a phone number. Previously, Facebook required for you to submit your phone number, to receive a six-digit code via text message that would grant access to your account. Now when you sign up for two- factor authentication, Facebook will walk you through the entire process, offering you a text message or app option such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile, to generate login codes.

Turn access off for unused apps: If you haven't used an app within a span of three months, Facebook now turns off the app's ability to access your information. This ensures that personal details aren't left exposed for long periods of time.

Restrict Facebook login data: With its new login system, Facebook has reduced the data that an app can request from you without a preliminary review, to include only your name, profile photo and email address.

Search and account recovery: Previously people could enter another person's phone number or email address into a Facebook search to help find them. This feature has now been disabled and Facebook is making changes to account recovery protocols to reduce the risk of malicious individuals scraping public profile information through search and account recovery.

Call and text history: Call and history, used to be part of an opt-in feature for people using Messenger or Facebook Lite on Android. The company however has reviewed this feature and has now reconfirmed that Facebook does not collect the content of any messages and will delete all logs older than one year altogether.

Rewarding people who identify vulnerabilities and notifying those affected by misuse: Facebook's Data Abuse Bounty has been set up to reward people who report any misuse of data by app developers, or those who identify substantial vulnerabilities in the system. This in turn also motivates users to report any violations and is ensuring that app developers are held accountable for protecting people's privacy online.

Clear history: This new feature once introduced to the platform, will enable you to see the website and apps that send out your information. You can then choose whether you want to delete this information from your account or turn off the apps' ability to store it. This is a new feature that is still under development and will be activated in the near future.

Being more aware of Facebook's new and improved privacy tools and protocols will ensure that you have the knowledge required to keep your personal details and information protected, and out of the wrong hands.