In today’s Quick Hits, we talk about Facebook’s new simplified privacy policy, how police are cracking down on cyberbullies in the U.K., and how a despicable scam is costing some women thousands.

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Facebook Implements Simplified Privacy Policy

In an effort to appease critics and make its privacy policies more clear to its nearly 600 million users, Facebook has updated its privacy policy to explain how the website uses user data in simplified terms. According to AOL’s Switched blog, “Facebook’s revamped policy is now presented in a noticeably more user-friendly layout; information is divided into smaller, more digestible sections, each of which is titled in more colloquial terms (e.g., ‘How advertising works,’ ‘Your information and how it is used’).”

Senator Schumer Asks Websites to Use HTTPS

In a letter proving that Web security is becoming a hot issue in Congress, New York Sen. Charles Schumer called on Facebook and other major web companies to change their default settings from HTTP to HTTPS access, to ensure that consumers can access the websites securely from shared wireless networks. Facebook recently made HTTPS access an option for users, but it is not standard.

Scammers Use Soldier Photos to Con Women on Facebook

In a scam that is becoming more and more common, fraudsters are setting up fake profiles on Facebook and pretending to be members of the United States military to con women out of money. This report from the Associated Press details the scam and how some victims have lost thousands of dollars because of it.

UK Police Crack Down on Cyberbullies

According to PCWorld, “Police in the U.K. are clamping down on cyberbullying on social networks such as Facebook by issuing warning messages to the bullies and their parents.” One police official claims that “by sending a police warning notice on Facebook, students will be made aware they could be prosecuted.” Also, “by alerting their parents to the problem, we are aiming to nip the problem in the bud and prevent it becoming something more serious.” As cyberbullying becomes more and more of a concern, police and education officials are working hard to figure out ways to protect children and teens online.

Interactive Advertising Bureau Talks Tough on Self-Regulation

According to Clickz.com, “the Interactive Advertising Bureau will give members up to six months to comply with a code of conduct for behavioral targeted advertising. New members must comply within three months or else forfeit their membership.” The IAB’s efforts to enforce a strict code of conduct come as Congress debates passing legislation to offer an easy opt-out of Internet tracking. Many privacy activists have been critical of self-regulation efforts to date.

Microsoft and Facebook Address Privacy Concerns

On Friday, the Wall Street Journal featured an article discussing how Microsoft and Facebook have each taken steps recently to improve consumer privacy protections. Specifically, the article talks about Microsoft’s plans for a Do Not Track feature on Internet Explorer and Facebook’s changes to its privacy policy.