Kul Bhushan

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Posted on 27-07-2011

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Facebook has made it easier for people to opt out of the “tag suggestions” or "face detection" feature after Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen raised privacy concerns. Facebook has launched an online ad campaign informing users about updating their privacy settings and option to opt out. The “tag suggestions” feature is based on a facial-recognition software that identifies users in images and links. Jespen had earlier told the social networking company that giving users option to opt out of that “tag suggestions” feature could be a critical component of consumer privacy.

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“Facebook has made significant changes that will provide better service and greater privacy protection to its users, not only in Connecticut, but across the country,” Jepsen said. “The company has been cooperative and diligent in its response and I look forward to working with them in the future to make sure Facebook users’ privacy is protected, which I believe is our shared goal.”

One round of ads ran earlier this month, resulting in more than 400 million Facebook impressions on U.S. Facebook users’ home pages. “For any users who opt out, any facial recognition data collected will be deleted,” Jepsen said.

Meanwhile, Facebook says on its blog, “If for any reason you don't want your name to be suggested, you will be able to disable suggested tags in your Privacy Settings. Just click "Customize Settings" and "Suggest photos of me to friends." Your name will no longer be suggested in photo tags, though friends can still tag you manually. You can learn more about this feature in our Help Center.”
 

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