Google tweaks privacy controls after Buzz backlash

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Google Buzz has only been around a few days, and it's already had to be tweaked to calm privacy fears.

The social networking addition to Gmail was unveiled on Tuesday, immediately sparking privacy complaints from users unhappy that some of their details were being made public.

"We've had plenty of feature requests, and some direct feedback," noted said product manager Todd Jackson on the Gmail blog. "In particular there's been concern from some people who thought their contacts were being made public without their knowledge (in particular the lists of people they follow, and the people following them)."

"In addition, others felt they had too little control over who could follow them and were upset that they lacked the ability to block people who didn't yet have public profiles from following them," he added.

In response, Google has now made it easier to hide contact lists, block followers and see what information is public.

"It's still early, and we have a long list of improvements on the way," said Jackson. "We look forward to hearing more suggestions and will continue to improve the Buzz experience with user transparency and control top of mind."

Read on for our first look review of Google Buzz.

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