The Facebook Events team is debating: should we have public attendee lists or private attendance for better privacy?

Introduction

The Facebook Events team is grappling with a crucial decision: should we implement public attendee lists or opt for private attendance to enhance privacy? This trade-off involves balancing user engagement and social discovery against potential privacy concerns. I'll analyze this problem using a structured approach, considering user experience, business impact, and technical feasibility.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Context: I'm assuming this is for the main Facebook platform, not a separate events app. Could you confirm if this is correct, and if there are any specific market segments or user groups we're focusing on?

Why it matters: Helps tailor the solution to the right audience and platform Expected answer: Confirmation of platform and any specific user segments Impact on approach: Would influence feature design and privacy considerations

• Business Context: Based on recent privacy concerns, I'm thinking this might be part of a broader initiative to enhance user trust. How does this align with our current strategic priorities and revenue model for events?

Why it matters: Ensures alignment with overall business strategy Expected answer: Confirmation of strategic importance and revenue implications Impact on approach: Would influence the weight given to privacy vs. engagement in the decision

• User Impact: I'm considering the potential impact on event creators and attendees. Can you share any insights on user feedback or behaviors related to event privacy and discoverability?

Why it matters: Helps understand user needs and potential adoption challenges Expected answer: Overview of user research or feedback on privacy preferences Impact on approach: Would guide the balance between privacy and social features

• Technical Feasibility: Considering the scale of Facebook's user base, I'm wondering about the technical implications of implementing granular privacy controls. Are there any significant technical constraints or ongoing infrastructure projects we should be aware of?

Why it matters: Ensures the proposed solution is technically viable Expected answer: Overview of technical capabilities and limitations Impact on approach: Would influence the complexity of the proposed solution

• Timeline and Resources: Given the potential impact on user trust, I'm curious about the urgency of this decision. What's our timeline for implementation, and what resources are available for this project?

Why it matters: Helps scope the project and set realistic expectations Expected answer: Timeline constraints and available team resources Impact on approach: Would influence the depth of analysis and implementation strategy