Facebook modifies privacy controls

New privacy controls on Facebook will give users easier ways to determine who can see their posts and photos, the California-based social media site says. The new tools will make it easier for users to set limits on who can see their personal information, with the site's main toolbar now including shortcuts to key privacy settings, the San Jose Mercury News reported Wednesday. Facebook, based in Menlo Park, and other Internet giants such as Google have been under scrutiny by privacy advocates and regulators concerned about the sharing across the Web of personal information. Last year, the social media giant settled a complaint by the Federal Trade Commission by agreeing not to change users' privacy settings without their consent. Facebook said the new changes, aimed at simplifying privacy controls criticized as overly complicated and confusing, would include more explicit requests for permission to share certain information, as well as explanations of where information may appear on the network.