Facebook is one of those sites that is constantly updating their system. This IS a good thing, because they recognize that their system is not perfect.
I will be the first to admit that some changes they have brought in are things that really are odd and make things worse, not better, but with every change comes another instance when Facebook users should take the time to go through the settings to see what has been added and what has disappeared.
Facebook introduced a new interface for the web-based system a few months ago, and as of last month, the option to use the old interface disappeared. And last week, Facebook rolled out a new update to their mobile apps too. So, if you haven't already reviewed your privacy and security settings on the site, NOW is the time to do it.
The screen captures shown in this post relate to the web-based version of Facebook. You can access ALL of the settings through the mobile versions too, but to save on space in this post, I opted to stick with just the web-based version.
Note added 7 June 2023: Facebook has had a massive overhaul of the settings pages. Screen captures shown in this post are no longer relevant, but most of the settings still are.
The Core Privacy Settings
I have definite opinions as to what the various security and privacy settings should be. In my mind, it's about keeping your personal contact details as safe as possible, and stopping the stalkers where possible.
Do remember that for internet security, you can NEVER stop the skilled, determined hacker. If they want in, they will get in, but the steps you take now are about stopping the wannabe hackers. No point in make things easy for them. So, here goes.
Below is a screen capture of my privacy settings on Facebook. When looking at the web-version, you can access your own privacy settings by clicking on the down arrow in the top right-hand corner and choosing Settings & privacy from the dropdown menu. Then select Settings from the new menu that shows up. Then select the Privacy tab from the sidebar. (Why they had to make it so many clicks is beyond me, but that is what you need to do.)
Facebook Privacy Settings as of October 2020 (Click on image for a larger view.)
You will notice that on my personal settings that many of those options are listed as Only me. This is because I want to control the flow of information, and I think that other should to. I don't mind people having my email address, but I want to be the one to make that choice whether I share it with them. And I protect my Friends list because too many people will friend one person, then go on a friending spree, sending Friend requests to everyone on someone's list.
It's like the creepy dude at the college frat party asking for everyone's phone number. Not cool!
My Rationale for My Settings
For those struggling to read the options on their tiny screens (or for those wanting to check out their settings using the mobile apps), here is a quick rundown as to what my settings are and why I have them the way I do.
Who can see your future posts?
Setting: Friends except Acquaintances
While I'm diligent about not accepting friends requests from those I either don't know or can't work out how I'm related to them, there are some people on my friends lists that go back to the days when Groups behaved differently, and you needed to be invited to join the certain groups. And if people weren't your Friends, they couldn't invite you. That Facebook behavior has changed, but instead of just unfriending everyone, I set certain people as acquaintances. And when I post something, those acquaintances can't see my post—unless I manually change the restrictions on the individual posts.
It's about protecting my kids.
Who can see the people, Pages and lists you follow?
Setting: Only me
Why does it matter to anyone else what Pages that I follow? Honestly, who cares?
But there is always someone out there will make some incorrect assumption about me just because of a singular association to a particular Page. No point in giving the trolls more food for the fodder if it can easily be avoided by keeping the list of Pages that I follow as private.
This one is about protecting my reputation.
Who can send you friend requests?
Setting: Friend of friends
Delusions of grandeur time. As a rising star in the writing world, you don't want all your fans sending you friend requests. It will drive you nuts and be too difficult to maintain in the long term. Instead, you want your fans to like your Author Page.
One way to discourage the friend requests is to allow friend requests from friends of friends only. (If there was a tighter setting, I would use it, but there isn't one.)
Who can see your friends list?
Setting: Only me
Alternate setting: Custom
The default setting for this option is Public, but I'm sorry, it's none of anyone's business who I am friends with on Facebook. However, there might be reasons why you might want to share your friends list with a particular person, e.g., a parent for a teenager. You can nominate a special group of people to share that list with, or individuals. Regardless, that list should not be public.
Keep in mind that even if you have made your friends list private, your friends might not have. You will still show in lists of mutual friends for certain accounts.
Who can look you up using the email address you provided?
Who can look you up using the phone number you provided?
Setting: Only me
Once upon a time was a technology known as a phone book. It's where you could look up someone's name and get there phone number and home address. Well, the paper form of the phone book no longer exists in some parts of the world, but the phone directory is still around—and has moved online.
If you are listed in the online directory, then people can use the information found in the online directory to find your Facebook profile. Do you see the problem with this? Or do I need to remind you how the Terminator went after Sarah Connor, killing Sarah Connors found in the phonebook.
Do you want search engines outside of Facebook to link to your Profile?
Setting: No
This comes back to the delusions of grandeur. You want your fans to find your Page, not your Profile. And for those who don't know the difference, check out this post.
The Secret Privacy Setting
There is one more privacy setting hidden in the depths of the Facebook system. This setting (not found on the Privacy tab) dictates whether other users can download your email address when they download their Facebook account information.
I have written about this hidden setting before, but the user interfaces have changed since I posted that post. Below is a more up-to-date screen capture.
The Facebook Hidden Privacy Setting (as of October 2020) (Click on image for a larger view.)
In the web version of Facebook, open your account settings and go to the General tab. This will contain information like your name, your username and your email. Upon first glance, the information on this tab looks harmless, BUT the secret security setting is hidden under your Contact information.
Where your email address is listed, click on the Edit link. The secret setting will then reveal itself.
Turn it OFF. It doesn't matter if you are happy for your friends to have your email address or not; you want to control that flow of information.
Added 7 June 2023: In Facebook's recent updates to the settings pages, it would appear that this particular setting has disappeared. Here's hoping that they have turned it OFF for everyone.
There are MORE privacy settings found under the About tab of your personal profile, dictating who can see your birthday, your relationships and your basic contact information. ANYTHING that you don't want made public, change the settings to private (or delete them, if possible).
Control the flow of information. Ensure that you know exactly how far and wide your personal details are being spread. You have the power, so use it!