Facebook to replace advertising T&Cs

Facebook is set to replace its advertising terms and conditions with a new ‘statement of rights and responsibilities’ with input from its users.

The move comes after a mass of user complaints over how the social networking site users their data – in a bid to appease them, Facebook has said it will offer users an “unprecedented role” in how the network is governed from now on, according to reports.

Facebook has also confirmed that it will give up its permission to continue to use information after users deleted data or terminated their accounts, following a backlash from users in recent weeks.

The world’s biggest social networking site has, along with the help of two users, drawn up two guiding documents that any member can comment on over the next 30 days.

Users who make the most relevant and insightful comments will be asked to sit on the new user council, which will be involved in future policy development.

Facebook said one document would take place of its existing terms of use, developer terms of service and its advertising terms and conditions.

Both drafts have been published on the site and Facebook now plans to receive and utilise user’s input before publishing final versions.

It claims that all future policy changes, apart from decisions about the timing and rollout of products will be eligible for a vote by users “provided the level of intensity of user interest would justify it”.

Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, said: “The past week reminded us that users feel a real sense of ownership over Facebook itself, not just the information they share. Companies like ours need to develop new models of governance.

“The changes we’re announcing today are designed to open up Facebook so that users can participate meaningfully in our policies and our future.”