• PC World, Friday, May 21, 2010 11:40 AM

Whoa. In light recent privacy concerns, "at least" 60% of Facebook users are considering canceling their personal accounts, according to a new survey conducted by IT security firm Sophos. Meanwhile, 16% claim to have already stopped using Facebook as a result of inadequate control over their data. Granted, the poll only included 1,588 Facebookers, but, according to PCWorld, it still suggests "the extent of member concerns ... over the network's privacy settings."

Sophos said user concerns center on the complexity of Facebook's settings, and the "opt-out" approach to sharing member information with wider networks. Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said the poll shows that majority of users are "fed up" with the lack of control that Facebook gives users over their data. "Most still don't know how to set their Facebook privacy options safely, finding the whole system confusing," Cluley said. Meanwhile, a number of grassroots campaigns, including a "Quit Facebook Day" are gathering steam, and increasing public awareness (fear?) around Facebook's privacy policies.

Read the whole story at PC World »