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This Feb. 1, 2012 photo shows the Facebook logo on a computer screen in Berlin. (AP Photo/dapd, Timur Emek)

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Facebook updates data use policy to give more info

The changes are in response to an audit

Updated: Friday, 11 May 2012, 1:01 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 11 May 2012, 1:01 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Facebook is updating its data use policy in an attempt to give users more clarity on how the information they share is used by the company. The move comes a week ahead of its expected initial public offering of stock.

Facebook Inc. said Friday that the changes are in response to an audit by Irish data-protection authorities last year.

As part of the changes, Facebook has created a new section of its data use policy — formerly known as privacy policy — to explain how it uses "cookies." Cookies are commonly used to track people's activity around the Web.

Facebook's international headquarters are based in Dublin, Ireland, a member of the European Union. This means the company is required to comply with European data privacy laws.