The Associated Press reported on Wednesday that Facebook is rolling out a new security feature to help give users more security that their private information will not be misused. The new feature requires outside applications and websites to tell users exactly what parts of their profile they need to access in order to work.
In the past, applications had to ask for permission before accessing private profile information but there were no requirements about stating exactly why they needed such information. This information can include photos, friends’ birthdays or e-mail addresses.
The rollout of the new security feature is being done in cooperation with Canada’s privacy commissioner, who was among the first and most vocal critics of Facebook’s recent privacy policy changes. The decision to change the privacy policy for applications was first announced in April.