by Matt Bender

Created on: November 15, 2009

In Facebook's "Privacy Settings", users can control who can view their pages and personal data, who can see their pages in search results, and who can see their friend lists, among other things.

Users can get to the "Privacy" page in one of two ways. The first and easier option involves moving the mouse cursor over the word "Settings" in the blue control bar at the top of the page. Once users scroll over the "Settings" tab, they should click "Privacy Settings"-the second option down-in the drop-down menu that appears.

The second option requires users to click the "Settings" tab. On the following page, users are given six tabs to choose from, the default of which is the "Settings" tab. Users should select the "Manage" button across from the word "Privacy" while on the "Settings" tab.

Once on the "Privacy" page, users are given four selections at the top of the page, and will have the option to block people at the bottom of the page. If a user has been consistently bothered by another person, he or she can add either the person's email address or their name and click the "Block" button. The person's name or email address will be displayed on the "Block List".

In the four tabs on the "Privacy" page, the first is labeled as "Profile". Upon selecting this tab, users are given two tabs on the following page labeled "Basic" and "Contact Information". On the "Basic" tab, users can select settings for ten categories ranging from "Personal Information" to "Wall Posts". "Contact Information" has another seven categories which users select. Users make the determination who can view these categories on their pages.

The second tab, "Search", determines search results for a particular user in Facebook's search feature. Users determine what personal information can be seen during those searches; for example, users can choose to display their profile pictures and friend lists. Finally, users can determine if their profile is displayed in a public search listing for people not signed into Facebook.

"News Feed and Wall", the third tab, has two options on the following page; both "Actions with Facebook" and "Facebook Ads" can be edited to allow or prevent other individuals from obtaining personal information. Users can decide whether or not their comments, relationships, profile information, posts, photos, or friend adding is displayed in their "Recent Activity" updates.

Finally, the "Applications" tab determines who within a group can see a user's information. In the two tabs, "Overview" explains how the application system works, while the "Settings" tab chooses what other personal data is displayed. Blocked Applications and friends from whom Application Invites are ignored can be viewed here as well.

Through proper knowledge of the available security features, Facebook users can limit the amount of personal information they display and can choose who sees their pages.

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