On the internet, privacy is something to worry about. However, the lack of options in most services has given the thoughts that privacy is extinct. To help users see things rather differently, Facebook introduces a new graphic with a prehistoric twist: the updated privacy dinosaur.
First introduced in March 2014, the blue cartoon dinosaur aims to help users get through Facebook's complicated privacy settings. At first, the dinosaur didn't cover every privacy setting, leaving certain details hidden deep within the privacy menu. With the new dinosaur, presented as the Privacy Checkup, it will help users in running checks though the basics of Facebook privacy: who can see posts, which apps have access to the account, and who can view profile information, in a matter of minutes, as well as other settings.
In the post-Edward Snowden era, being on the internet is seen to be more of a threat. Tech giants such as Facebook, Google, Twitter and others are going all out to assure users that they are helping users to keep their data confidential, far from the government's prying eyes.
Few days after it was relaunched, the dinaosaur Privacy Checkup window appears on the windows that will pop up when people go through the privacy checkup process.
At the moment of the relaunch, the dinosaur will only pop up when people are using a laptop or desktop computers. And in case the dinosaur doesn't pop up, you can find the prehistoric animal by clicking on Privacy Shortcuts on the upper right corner of your Facebook screen.
A Facebook spokesperson didn't share any details about the dinosaur or its creation, but did provide a statement about the new reminder: "We frequently test new ways to help ensure people are sharing with who they want to on Facebook."
There hasn't been a change to how privacy or sharing works on Facebook; the company is merely alerting users to the option.
Why a Dinosaur?
Dubbed the "Zuckersaurus", the dinosaur as the privacy setting's mascot. Why Facebook chooses a dinosaur?
"Our team looked at a few different characters, saw the dinosaur, and just thought he was the friendliest and best choice," said Raylene Yung, an engineering manager on Facebook's privacy team. "Once we tried him out, we saw some great results and welcomed him to the team."
The "Zuckasaurus" name was created in a nod to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The blue dinosaur is another character introduced by internet and tech companies to boost their brand identity, and help them set apart from others.
The creature is adding the list of other tech and internet mascots, such as: Reddit's alien "Snoo", Twitter's bird "Larry" and the "Fail Whale", Ask Jeeves' butler "Jeeves" (Ask), Microsoft's talking paperclip "Clippy", and others.