NEW YORK (AP) - Facebook is updating its data use policy in an attempt to give users more clarity on how the information they share is used by the company. The move comes a week ahead of its expected initial public offering of stock.

      Facebook Inc. said Friday that the changes are in response to an audit by Irish data-protection authorities last year.

      As part of the changes, Facebook has created a new section of its data use policy - formerly known as privacy policy - to explain how it uses "cookies." Cookies are commonly used to track people's activity around the Web.

      Facebook's international headquarters are based in Dublin, Ireland, a member of the European Union. This means the company is required to comply with European data privacy laws.

      
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