Facebook changes default privacy settings for new users to friends-only

Facebook announced today a shift in privacy settings for new users. Now, when someone signs up for a profile, their default posting status is set to friends only. Previously, the default was global — allowing any Web users to see the content.

Facebook will also conduct privacy check-ups for existing users who haven’t changed their settings in a while. These changes were previously announced at a media event last month, but are now being implemented.

Facebook blogged about the shift for new users:

While some people want to post to everyone, others have told us that they are more comfortable sharing with a smaller group, like just their friends.