The Facebook and Privacy page posted the following status update today:

“Starting today, you will be able to download an expanded archive of your Facebook account history. First introduced in 2010, Download Your Information lets you get a copy of what you’ve shared on Facebook, such as photos, posts, messages, a list of friends and chat conversations. Now you can access additional categories of information, including previous names, friend requests you’ve made and IP addresses you logged in from. This feature will be rolling out gradually to all users and more categories of information will be available for download in the future. Download Your Information is available from your Facebook Account Settings.”

Many users and privacy advocates have expressed concern and displeasure at the limited data available in the download feature. Now Facebook will be including:

• Previous Names
• Friend Requests
• IP addresses of Logins

The IP log can be helpful to users that believe their account is being accessed without their knowledge or consent, as this will show when and where logins occur.

This is a step in the right direction, but many will never be satisfied until a complete archive of ALL Facebook data is available. Privacy laws in the European Union allow users to request a copy of their data from online providers. Max Schrems, initiated a campaign and lawsuit last year after he realized the extended archive of his information wasn’t complete. Facebook’s response was that some items were lawfully omitted to protect their intellectual property and trade secrets.

The download tool is a great feature that lets you backup important Facebook data. Be sure to heed Facebook’s admonishment of keeping your archive safe and secure since it contains personal information about you.

For a quick tutorial on how to access the Download Tool, check out our guide: How to Download Your Facebook Data.

Recommended Resources

PRIVATE WiFi® is a Personal VPN that encrypts everything you send and receive. Don’t access Facebook from a public WiFi hotspot without it.

BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams like this.

Do Not Track + is a FREE browser plugin created by Abine. This easy to install plugin keeps websites from tracking you. If you value your online privacy, then you should definitely take advantage of this free product.

Action Alert | Free Parental Control offers a 100% free Internet safety solution designed for parents. There is also a Maximum Protection option for parents that need a more advanced set of tools.