ONE of the internet’s most popular social networking sites is facing a user backlash over changes to the way it operates.
Some users of Facebook, which lets people join an online community determined by their school, workplace or location, plan to boycott the site next week because of a new service that, users claim, imperils their privacy. Facebook members say that new services to let other members of their community know when they alter their online profile erode their ability to keep some details about themselves to a select group of friends or other members.
The News Feed and MiniFeed services, which will create a series of headlines on a user’s profile page when that member logs in, will enable users to keep a tab on people in their online circle without having to check lots of pages.
Facebook lets users share pictures, post blog entries and create networks of friends online. However, since Tuesday, whenever users log into it, they are greeted with news feeds on recent changes, activities and comments by everyone the user is connected to — all in minute detail. Under the new system, if a user ends a relationship with their partner it is announced to that person’s entire online social network.
A website protesting by proposing “A Day without Facebook” on September 12, has received 23,000 visits.