System that some such as the CNIL claimed yet

Is no revolution in Facebook, but awareness of the danger that watched. Whereas a survey conducted by the software Sophos editor indicated that 60 of the members of the famous social network, concerned for their privacy, were ready to unsubscribe, Facebook has implemented new settings. "We have heard the concerns of our users over the past few weeks," says Richard Allan, former Liberal Member of the British Parliament, today Director Europe of the public policy of the site. The objective of these changes was to simplify the control of the users on the sharing of their information. "About 50 possible settings on that can show others his profile, Facebook is thus passed to 15 parameters. Their presentation was also changed.

The site is at the center of several controversies on the evolution of the terms of use. At the beginning of week, the Wall Street Journal claimed that he had sold data of its users to advertisers. Several technical problems also affected service: two weeks ago, private friends conversations were visible by other members for a few hours. Finally, a statement attributed to its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, resurfaced on the Business Insider website. While he came to create the site for Harvard students, he reportedly told a friend: "If you need info on that at Harvard, asks me.". I don't know why they gave me confidence...

Targeting, "heart of the model.

However, Facebook is not conducive to the implementation of an "opt-in" system, which would allow any default data sharing. System that some - such as the CNIL - claimed yet. "We must maintain a certain balance between the protection of privacy and service that our users demand," said Richard Allan.

Facebook also made a few adjustments on applications. Games, quizzes and other services developed by third parties, are a true gateway for enterprises wishing to learn more about their users. It is now possible to disable all of these applications. These adjustments does not however appear to call into question the economic model of the site. Targeted advertising remains the stated objective. "Advertisers have the opportunity to speak to groups very specific." If they want to target the 15-24 years fans of cycling in Paris, they can, says Richard Allan. But this was always done anonymously: they have not and will never have access to the personal information of users. "In this field, not question, therefore, to disable advertising targeting. "It is in the heart of our model, says Richard Allan.". If we want to continue to offer a free service, we cannot waive. "According to a study by the Group ETO and Market Audit, 77.6 of Internet users reject targeted advertising. A compromise seems possible: on the same study, 53 of Internet users consent to the use of some of their personal data if it is to ensure the service free of charge.

Finally, the question of the duration of retention of personal data is still not, it is not more, to the agenda of the leaders of Facebook. Today, if we delete his account, a portion of the information remains on the servers of the company. "Many people delete their account that temporarily justify Richard Allan." They want to find their photos when they reactivate.

Richard Allan's interview on lesechos.fr/interviewlesechos.fr/interview