Facebook shook up the tech world in recent days with the announcement that it is launching a Facebook “home” software package that will provide a “wrapper” for Android based phones and place Facebook live streams and information directly on the home screen. Facebook has already come under fire in recent months for its data mining practices and user privacy issues. Now, many experts are claiming that Facebook’s “Home” software could lead to even more (legal) invasions of privacy.

So what is Facebook Home, and what impacts could it have on the tech world? Facebook Home is a “wrapper,” meaning it would change the appearance of the Android operating system and also some of its functions. Specifically, Home takes control of the main display and lock screen, turning both into a live feed for content, notifications, and images from Facebook’s live-streams.

Previously, if a user wants to get information on Facebook they have to install and utilize a special app, or open a browser and head to the site. With Facebook Home, however, users’ phones will constantly be updated and uploaded directly to the user’s home and lock screens. Facebook will thus be integrated into the basic functioning of the phone’s operating system.

This has lead to a lot of worries, however, among critics and consumers alike. Facebook Home will be “always on,” meaning that Facebook will be able to track users essentially every second of their day. Facebook has responded to criticisms noting that many “apps” collect the same amount of information, and that Home users will be protected by the same privacy policies as Facebook’s website.

Facebook is now one of the most widely used and visited websites in the world. With more than a billion registered users spread across nearly every country in the world, the ubiquitous Social Media giant has a huge amount of clout. Still, Facebook has had difficulty monetizing its popularity. Yes, people love “living” on the website, but it turns out that Facebook ads are not extremely profitable, and sales for games, software, and other add-ons remains low.

This move may allow Facebook to essentially “hijack” Google’s Android success. Instead of trying to build a new operating system, Home will simply try to commandeer Android phones and convert them to “Facebook Phones.” With Android phones estimated to constitute 70% of the global market share for Smartphones, with nearly a half billion handsets shipped in 2012, the potential market is huge.

Still, Facebook users have proven to be fickle for the company. While people love visiting the website and communicating with friends, so far many users have been resistant to expanding the scope, power, and presence of the site. For example, Facebook was hoping to position itself as the world’s leading platform for video games, and while the site has enjoyed considerable success, it’s market share in video games remains below expectations.

The failure of Facebook to monetize its user base led to its infamous IPO flop, causing heavy damage to its brand. Will Facebook Home be the key ingredient to a resurgent company? Only time will tell but given the fickleness of Facebook users one can’t blame analysts and critics for being skeptical.