How to Hide Your Details in Facebook

It has recently came to my attention that my mobile number and other contact details are viewable by everyone on Facebook. As we all know Facebook keeps changing its security from time to time which exposes data that you may have hidden a while back so it's a good idea to check it once in a while.

With the new interface changing your profile security settings is easy but somewhat hidden. Here is how you find and change your security levels.

At the top right of the Facebook web page is your name, "Find Friend", "Home" and a down arrow. Clicking the down arrow displays a menu. Select the menu option 'Privacy Settings".

At the very top of Privacy Settings web page you'll see "Control Privacy When you Post" followed by the text "You can manage the privacy of your status updates, photos and information using the inline audience selector — when you share or afterwards. Remember: the people you share with can always share your information with others, including apps. Try editing your profile to see how it works or learn more."

To edit your privacy settings click the text that says "editing your profile" which takes you to the "Edit Profile" page.

On the left of the Edit Profile page you'll see a list of categories, the first one being "Basic Information' which is currently selected. The main part of the page displays your information depending on the category on the left. Clicking on a category changes the content on the page.

All you need to do now is change the privacy option by clicking the down arrow next to each piece of information. "Public" will allow everyone to see your info; "Friends" means only your friends can see your info; and "Only me" means nobody but you can see your info.

The privacy information for your contact details such as email and mobile number can be changed by clicking on the "Contact Information" category.