TRENTON, NJ . — Facebook is notifying nonbinary and transgender users in certain states, including New Jersey, about new privacy protections for gender identity and asking them to confirm whether they want to continue displaying their gender selection on the platform.
The prompt informs users that “laws in your state now provide special protections for info about certain gender identities, including nonbinary and transgender.” It also reassures users that while Facebook uses gender information for “personalization, safety, integrity, and security,” it does not use it for targeted advertising.
Users can choose to keep their gender selection visible or update it to “Not specified,” which Facebook notes will not be displayed to others. The platform also gives users the option to change their gender selection at any time.
The update reflects broader shifts in data privacy laws and digital identity protections, as states introduce legislation regulating how tech companies handle sensitive personal information.
The message reads:
aws in your state now provide special protections for info about certain gender identities, including nonbinary and transgender. Your gender selection may include this info, and you can manage it in the way that’s right for you.
How we use this info
Your gender selection is “Nonbinary”. Facebook may use this info to personalize your experience and promote safety, integrity and security. We don’t use it to show you ads. This isn’t changing. Learn more in our Privacy Policy
You’re in control
You can change your gender selection anytime by editing your profile. You have control over who sees your selection, and you can choose to make it private.
If you don’t want us to use this info
If you choose Don’t allow, we won’t use this info for these purposes. We’ll update your selection to “Not specified”, which isn’t visible to others. If you choose Allow, you can always withdraw consent later by choosing “Not specified” on your Page.
Allow us to keep using your nonbinary gender selection?