BRUSSELS: Facebook said on Monday it was publishing its privacy principles for the first time and rolling out educational videos to help users control who has access to their information, as it prepares for the start of a tough new EU data protection law.
The videos will show users how to manage the data that Facebook uses to show them ads, how to delete old posts, and what happens to the data when they delete their account, Erin Egan, chief privacy officer at Facebook, said in a blog post.
Facebook, which has more than 2 billion users worldwide, said it had never before published the principles, which are its rules on how the company handles users’ information.
Monday’s announcements are a sign of its efforts to get ready before the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enters into force on May 25, marking the biggest overhaul of personal data privacy rules since the birth of the Internet.
Under GDPR, companies will be required to report data breaches within 72 hours, as well as to allow customers to export their data and delete it.
Facebook’s privacy principles, which are separate from the user terms and conditions that are agreed when someone opens an account, range from giving users control of their privacy, to building privacy features into Facebook products from the outset, to users owning the information they share.
“We recognize that people use Facebook to connect, but not everyone wants to share everything with everyone – including with us. It’s important that you have choices when it comes to how your data is used,” Egan wrote.
Also among the company’s privacy principles are helping users understand how their data is used, keeping that information secure, constantly improving new controls, and being accountable to regulators.
“We put products through rigorous data security testing. We also meet with regulators, legislators and privacy experts around the world to get input on our data practices and policies,” the blog post said.
The company’s Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg announced last week that Facebook would be creating a new privacy center which would put the social network’s key privacy settings in one place.
The GDPR drastically increases the level of fines for companies found to be in breach of data protection law, potentially rising as high as 4 percent of global annual turnover or 20 million euros, whichever is higher.
Facebook has faced probes from EU regulators over its use of user data and tracking of online activities.
As of Monday, users will be reminded by their News Feeds to take a “privacy checkup,” Egan wrote in his blog, to ensure they are comfortable about what data they are sharing, and with whom.
Facebook makes privacy push ahead of strict EU law
Facebook makes privacy push ahead of strict EU law
RT Arabic opens its first Riyadh studio, inaugurates with first live show
- Program will broadcast twice a month
- Will be part of a series of analytical shows focusing on developments broadcast by RT Arabic from various global capitals
RIYADH: Widely regarded in the region as a trusted and reliable news network, RT Arabic (Russia Today) officially opened RT Studio Riyadh on Tuesday, allowing the centennial of Russia-Saudi Arabia diplomatic relations to usher in a new age of media relations as well.
The program will broadcast twice a month and will be part of a series of analytical shows focusing on regional and global developments broadcast by RT Arabic from various capitals around the world, such as “Studio Cairo,” “Studio Beirut,” “Studio Washington,” and “Studio Paris.”
It will be hosted by veteran Saudi journalist Mohammed Al-Rashed, who has more than 20 years of experience.
In his opening remarks, Russian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sergey Kozlov spoke of the century-long relationship between the two countries beginning in 1926 when the Soviet Union became the first state to formally recognize the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd.
Those bilateral ties have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership that spans sectors such as energy, agriculture, industry, investment, science and education, culture and media, and humanitarian cooperation.
“Our friendship is built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for the future,” he said.
Recent milestones include a growing tourism exchange, marked by a new mutual visa-exemption agreement in December 2025, and increased air connectivity through direct flights between Moscow-Riyadh and Moscow-Jeddah.
The ambassador also highlighted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Moscow in 2017 and President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Riyadh in 2019 as pivotal moments in advancing relations.
RT Studio Riyadh will “strengthen understanding between our peoples and provide viewers with deeper insight into political, cultural, and social developments in both countries,” he said.
Feb. 10 was also Russian Diplomatic Worker’s Day, an occasion that the presenters believe added symbolic significance to the launch.
The Kingdom’s Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari was also present to celebrate the studio’s inauguration and expressed Saudi Arabia’s eagerness to strengthening its media partnerships.
“We are keen to support international media institutions and provide them with all necessary services to carry out their professional mission with ease and transparency,” he said.
That same evening, Al Riyadh newspaper signed a memorandum of understanding with RT promising news exchange and joint training cooperation.
The managing editor at Al Riyadh, Nawal Aljabr, described Studio Riyadh as a bridge connecting Russian and Arab audiences and an opportunity to explore future cooperation opportunities.
The inaugural guest of the platform was Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.
The episode aired live at the opening on Tuesday and discussed topics pertaining to the historical roots of Saudi-Russian relations, the durability of ties amid global geopolitical shifts, and future cooperation prospects, as well as the Kingdom’s role regionally and internationally.
Each episode will run for 26 minutes and feature a discussion between Al-Rashed and a chosen guest on a current affairs topic.
RT Arabic, established in 2007, is the first Russian 24-hour Arabic-language news channel. It has become one of the most prominent and influential media outlets in the Middle East.
