Responding to concerns that it was invading users’ privacy and taking ownership of their content, Facebook will let its members choose what terms of service govern the popular social networking site.
Starting today, users will have a week to vote between two sets of documents: a revised version of the terms of use released in February that incorporates user feedback and clarifies language about Facebook’s relationship to content posted on the site, or the existing terms of use that still include controversial language.
It’s an easy choice for most Facebook users, and early voting suggests the new terms will be favored in a landslide.
But while Facebook is making good on its pledge to involve users more directly in the governance of the site, it won’t be easy to certify the vote. For the vote to be binding, at least 30 per cent of active users (those who have logged in during the past 30 days) must participate in the vote. With more than 180m active users, that means more than 60m people would have to cast a vote.
Facebook spokesman Barry Schnitt said if that threshold is not met, the vote “will be advisory rather than binding,” and a committee comprised of the company’s founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and other staff members will make the decision.
Facebook has been dogged by controversy as it tries to balance users’ privacy with the impulse to freely share information. The vote is the latest development in a months-long saga that began in February when the Consumerist blog called attention to minor but potentially wide reaching language in Facebook’s terms of service.
The changes suggested that Facebook would be able to use any uploaded content in whatever way it pleased, including for marketing purposes, even after users deleted that content from their accounts. Users revolted, and the Electronic Privacy Information Center threatened to file a federal complaint.
Facebook responded by releasing the two new documents, it’s “principles” and “statement of rights and responsibilities,” inviting feedback, and announcing that a vote would be forthcoming. Language in the revised versions of these documents attempts to make clear that users own the content and information they post on Facebook.
Just hours after voting began, it looked like a landslide was underway. Though only 7,447 votes had been cast, 74 per cent of users were favoring the new terms.
“After the controversy a few weeks ago, we wanted to give users more transparency and a voice in the way the site is governed,” said Mr Schnitt.
