Facebook posted information on its support site Friday in order to quell some fears that its new Facebook Home application would invade users’ privacy.
According to Facebook, Facebook Home does not use location data any differently than the full Facebook app does, and Android device users always have the option to turn location services off. Facebook Home will not collect any user data from apps that interact with the service, such as SMS messages. Facebook Home will, however, “maintain a list of the apps … in the Home app launcher … in identifiable form for 90 days and use it to provide the service and improve how it works.” After 90 days, the identifying data is stripped out.
Last, Facebook notes that the application is entirely voluntary, and does not need to be used in order to access the regular Facebook app.
Facebook Home can be turned on or off at any time.
