Facebook pilots expiring profile pics to enable your social justice crusades
Facebook is testing an expiration date on profile pictures to encourage users to have more fluidity when supporting causes with a change of the image.
As a result of the feature which will roll out to a greater number of accounts in the coming months, users can choose to have their chosen solidarity profile picture expire and revert back to a personalised default picture after a specified time.
The tool could encourage greater uptake of picture-changing movements such as the rainbow template for gay rights or the green arrow implemented by those demanding more rights in the Arab Spring.
Facebook told TechCrunch: “We often see people use their profile pictures to support a cause, root for a team, and commemorate milestones like birthdays and anniversaries.
“Today, we’re testing a new feature that allows you to set a temporary profile picture for a specified period of time.”
The company added that it takes away users’ worries that they will not be able to revert to their previous profile picture at a later date.