Facebook updates plans to restrict data access

Facebook Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer announces its updated plans to restrict data access on Facebook. This is line with the issue that data firm Cambridge Analytica may have gained unauthorized access to up to 87 million users’ data.

Facebook made nine important changes and it said that users should expect more changes in the next coming months. But for now, here are some:

• Starting today, users who are using the Events API will no longer be able to access the guests list or posts on the event wall. Only apps that were approved by Facebook are allowed to use this API.
• All third-party apps using Groups API will need approval from Facebook and an admin from the group. Apps will no longer be able to access the member list of a group and personal information will also be removed.
• In order to access Pages API, it must first be approved by Facebook.
• Instagram API has been changed today.
• Users can no longer search for a Facebook profile by phone number or email address.
• For Call and Text history, Facebook does not collect the content of messages — and will delete all logs older than one year.
• Facebook plans to shut down its Partner Categories.
• Starting on Monday, April 9, Facebook users will see a link at the top of their News Feed so they can see what apps they use — and the information they have shared with those apps. They also have the choice to remove apps that they no longer want.

On the said date, Facebook will also tell the people if their information may have been improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica.

Source: Facebook Newsroom