Facebook plans to appoint ambassadors around the world

The world's biggest social-networking site plans to have its own ambassadors around the world.

Facebook, which has more than 600 million users, is planning to assemble a new team that will have a network of ambassadors placed around the globe.

Debbie Frost, a spokeswoman, told media: "This is the right investment for us to make because we want to have better relationships with regulators and policymakers across Europe and around the world.

"It's important that we have a presence, so people can have a direct line into Facebook. You limit the scope for misunderstandings."

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One of the main functions of the ambassador will be to serve as the "primary contact with foreign government officials and politicians".

With Facebook coming under intense pressure both in the United States and abroad over its privacy policy, the company has decided to appoint people who would not only meet and dine with influential government officials, but also work proactively to diffuse tense issues and, if possible, prevent such problems from arising in the first place.

The company, which is both celebrated and criticized around the world, hopes the new envoys will help it manage relationships abroad, especially in Europe, where it is coming under scrutiny for its data handling procedures and how it approaches privacy issues.

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Facebook has not disclosed the salary but promises an eventful assignment. Successful applicants will become part of a team that is dealing with some of the most interesting public policy challenges of our times," Facebook's posting says, "including privacy, freedom of expression, the impact of the Internet on business models, and new opportunities for public service delivery."

According to its website, the responsibilities of the ambassadors will be: Develop and execute strategic approach to achieve company goals in public policy.

Monitor legislation and regulatory matters affecting Facebook and advise company with respect to policy challenges.

Represent Facebook in meetings with government officials and elected members.

Develop public policy positions with other team members at Facebook.

Build coalitions with other organizations to advance policy goals of Facebook.