MySpace to simplify privacy controls for users with new changes

by Steve Ragan - May 18 2010, 08:00

MySpace’s co-president Mike Jones said on Monday in an open letter to users that the social network will simplify their privacy settings and push the changes to users in the coming weeks.

As things stand, the major levels of access are public, anyone under 18, and only friends. The change to MySpace’s privacy settings will center on “friends only”. If you currently use that setting for the majority of your account, then it will remain as is, and a single switch will change all the settings at the same time to whatever level you select. There will be no need to opt-in or opt-out of any of the settings.

“We exist as a platform for our users and, as such, maintain the interests of our users as a main priority in our business and product decisions. We respect our users’ desires to balance sharing and privacy, and never push our users to an uncomfortable privacy position…While we’ve had these plans in the works for some time, given the recent outcry over privacy concerns in the media, we felt it was important to unveil those plans to our users now. We believe users want a simpler way to control their privacy,” wrote Jones.

“That’s why, in the coming weeks, MySpace will continue to simplify its privacy settings to create a simpler, more intuitive approach that gives users greater control over their information. Setting options will include public, friends only, or public to anyone 18 or over. In making this change, MySpace will default the setting to ‘friends only’ for any user who previously had any granular page setting to ‘friends only.’ Users can change this option with one click if they choose.”

There is no mistaking the thin reference to their rival in the public letter, but that is to be expected in all fairness. Many noted that it was an opportune time for MySpace to make this announcement, as doing so will distance them further from Facebook.

However, the distance is needed, as MySpace is working to meet both the business needs of the site and the expectations of their users. They are also likely to be seeking a preemptive gesture to avoid the glance of privacy groups and watchdogs.

This announcement comes just after MySpace promoted vice president of business and legal affairs, Jennifer Mardosz, to a newly-created chief privacy officer position. According to MySpace, she’ll manage the risks and business impact of privacy laws and policies for MySpace.

When the changes are ready for the masses, you will find them under the privacy section under your My Account page on MySpace. The changes seem clear cut, but it’s best to wait until they are official before planning a move back to MySpace from Facebook.

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