Well-known social network Facebook has started to roll out some changes to its service which are aimed to simplify the privacy settings available to users while also giving them more control over what they want to share and with whom. Available to a 'small fraction' (about 40,000 people) of the network's members for testing, the updates include the introduction of a single page for privacy options with more standardize settings, no overlapping choices, and combined profile fields.

Also new is the Transition Tool, which, as stated by Chris Kelly, Facebook Chief Privacy Officer, "will enable you to make available those parts of your profile that you feel comfortable sharing in order to facilitate better connection. You will have the choice of being as open or as limited in the sharing of this information as you want."

Following the testing period, which could take a few weeks, the new options and the Transition Tool will become available to all Facebook users. Patience.