Abine Launches PrivacyWatch Alert System to Help Facebook Users Protect their Personal Information

BOSTON, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent reports show that millions of Facebook users are becoming increasingly aware of and concerned about their online privacy and are actively altering their privacy settings as a result. To date, however, there hasn't been a systematic means of tracking Facebook's over 7,000-word Data Use Policy and privacy settings changes, leaving Facebook users to figure it out on their own.  Abine, Inc., the online privacy company and makers of the popular Do Not Track Plus privacy tool, is changing that today with the launch of PrivacyWatch (Abine.com/GoPrivate), a new alert system created by Abine's privacy experts to help consumers monitor and continuously improve their privacy on Facebook.

PrivacyWatch uses the latest monitoring tools and a team of privacy experts to assess changes to Facebook's Data Use Policy and controls, delivering up-to-date alerts and easy-to-follow tips that help you keep your private information just that—private. With PrivacyWatch, Abine's privacy experts will scan Facebook's nearly 7,000-word Data Use Policy and privacy controls and alert users of any changes. PrivacyWatch will simplify the process of updating your Facebook privacy settings by clearly outlining what has changed and providing a step-by-step guide to keeping your personal profile information private.

PrivacyWatch is available immediately at Abine.com/GoPrivate for a $1.99 monthly subscription. In addition, Abine will donate 5% of every new subscription to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), an organization that includes helping victims keep safe while using social networks among its many goals.

"Our customers tell us that they like sharing with friends and family on Facebook, but they want an easy way to control their information," said William Kerrigan, Abine CEO. "The goal of PrivacyWatch is to remove the barriers to keeping up with your privacy on Facebook by making it simple and painless."

A recent survey Abine conducted found that 60 percent of Facebook users adjusted their privacy settings in 2011, a 30 percent increase over the previous year and more than 75 percent increase over previous years. Consumers today are having to spend more and more time to monitor and maintain their profile's settings. PrivacyWatch eliminates this laborious, time-consuming task by proactively monitoring changes in Facebook's privacy controls and delivering a simplified explanation of what consumers can do to protect their personal information.

More than one million people currently rely on Abine to maintain better control of their personal information on the Internet. The company expects the use of privacy tools to double in the US during 2012.

About Abine

Abine provides consumers with online privacy solutions that are innovative, easy to use, and work for everyday web users. With proven tools, Abine enables people to both benefit from the Web and retain control over their personal information. Abine is backed by premier venture capital firms Atlas Venture and General Catalyst Partners. Abine: The Online Privacy Company ™. Abine.com.

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SOURCE Abine