Facebook Beacons Its Apology

Obviously my post on Beaconization of the Web was wrong. I stand by the idea that people want to share what they do on the web, but they clearly want more control than Facebook gave them.

Here's what I got today in email from Facebook:

Facebook is sending you this notice of a proposed class action settlement that may affect your legal rights as a Facebook member who may have used the Beacon program. This summary notice is being sent to you by Court Order so that you may understand your rights and remedies before the Court considers final approval of the proposed settlement on February 26, 2010.

This is not an advertisement or attorney solicitation.

This is not a settlement in which class members file claims to receive compensation. Under the proposed settlement, Facebook will terminate the Beacon program. In addition, Facebook will provide $9.5 million to establish an independent non-profit foundation that will identify and fund projects and initiatives that promote the cause of online privacy, safety, and security.

For full details on the settlement and further instructions on what to do to opt out of, object to, or otherwise comment upon the proposed settlement, please go to http://www.BeaconClassSettlement.com .

Please do not reply to this email.

I admire Facebook for taking the risk here. Sometimes you go too far, but not going far enough is a bigger risk.