The social network gives in to complaints, granting users greater control over a system that shares information about Web activityFacebook made modifications to a controversial advertising system that many users considered an invasion of privacy. On Nov. 29, the social network gave users greater control over the tool, known as Beacon, which broadcasts what they do on partner sites to other Facebook users.
As a result of Facebook's changes, users must first give their permission before information is shared. "No stories will be published without users proactively consenting," Facebook said in a statement sent to media outlets late on Nov. 29.
Facebook's changes were tentatively hailed as a victory by MoveOn, the public policy group that organized a petition to convert Beacon to an "opt-in" system. More than 50,000 Facebook members had signed the nine-day-old Web document by Nov 29. "Switching from opt-out to opt-in is really a huge step," says Adam Green, a spokesman for MoveOn, adding that he is waiting to see the system in action before making a final judgment. "If it is true…that would be a huge victory for regular Internet users who banded together."
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