Facebook Editing FunctionRaises Concern OverMisuse

The new feature introduced helps users
correct spelling and grammatical errors,
meanining posts can be modified, and
their content changed.
A new feature allowing Facebook users to
edit their status updates may result in
"stitch-ups", an expert has warned.
Previously, an update would have to be
deleted and reposted with any changes,
losing any comments or "likes".
But the new capability, introduced to help
users correct spelling and grammatical
errors, means posts can be modified, and
their content changed.
Facebook users who liked or interacted
with the original post are not notified of
any changes made.
A spokesman for Facebook explained that
the update was intended to help people
address typos or auto-correct errors, but
wouldn't comment on the potential
vulnerabilities.
The capability to edit posts is already
available on rival social networks, and
Facebook has allowed its users to edit
photo updates and their comments on
other people's updates for some months.
'Real concerns'
However the lack of notifications means
that users who may have liked an
innocuous post, such as "I love my cat",
could find their name beside a post which
says something entirely different, or even
offensive.
"The latest update from Facebook to
allow editing of posts after they have
been published raises some real concerns
amongst individuals I know and business
clients of mine," Kieran Hannon, director
of social media consultancy eSocialMedia,
told the BBC.
"A like or a comment made on a
previously static piece of content is now
open to misinterpretation - a fact that
many less informed users are currently
unaware of.
"The opportunity to 'stitch up' friends or
foes on Facebook has increased
dramatically."
Reducing errors
Updates that are modified are marked as
edited.
A history of the edits made is available for
users to view.
The editing facility comes after Facebook
revealed more than half its users
accessed the site on mobile phones,
which are more prone to typing errors.
"It's unlikely this will have any impact
beyond making it easier to correct
spelling mistakes," said Matt Owen, of
digital business specialists Econsultancy.
"If this update allows people to stay in
control of their social profile, ultimately
they will be happier with it and use the
product more.
"It's a win-win for both Facebook and its
users."
The new edit feature does not yet apply
to company pages.
But Mr Hannon says he will be advising
his business clients to be cautious.
"It is a concern that a brand could like or
comment on a post that is later updated
to something that undermines or
potentially damages the company's
brand," he said.