When Will Facebook Timeline be Mandatory? Brand Pages to See Changes This Month

Facebook's Timeline layout, the most recent interface overhaul to hit the social media site, has sparked concerns and questions among users. The most pressing of which seems to be when the new layout will become mandatory. Since the end of January rumors have circulated the Web about when the transition would be stop being optional and start being required.

Although no hard deadline has been set for individual profiles, users may begin to notice brand pages shifting soon. According to AdAge, executives briefed on the company's plans said that businesses and brands may be transferring to the scrapbook-style layout this month. However, the interface may not be exactly the same as those featured on user profiles. Facebook VP-Marketing and Business Partnerships David Fischer said that Timeline for brands would be consistent with the layout's look and feel, but it wouldn't be a carbon copy, reported AdAge.

Some expected changes include the apps and tabs that allow users to take polls or browse products on brand pages. Those tabs and apps may turn into boxes on the Timeline, and would encourage brands to spawn their own custom verbs. This is similar to online pin board site Pinterest's coined term pinning and Facebook's Like feature.

Even though the change can prove to be advantageous for brands, employers and job seekers may be at risk. The readily available history allows one's personal information to be made public. Without tailoring or catering to privacy settings, employers have immediate access to a candidate's social history.

But the line between social networking and socializing can be a thin one, wrote TechJournal.

The publication also reported that in the UK, 76 percent of Facebook profile photos uploaded depict users in an inebriated state. This is the highest global figure, and according to TechReport surveys have shown that employers utilize social media such as Facebook when it comes to recruiting employees.

Facebook is expected to divulge more details about the switch at the day long New York fMC conference on Feb. 29.