I was raised as a JW. I clearly remember cases in the late 1950's and early 60's where they would announce the specific "sin" for which a person had been disfellowshipped. They would say, for example, "Joe Blow has been disfellowshipped for adultery." They actually used the word "disfellowshipped" and named the specific "sin." I don't remember ever hearing an announcement of a person's being placed on probation, but it seems reasonable that this would have been announced too.
I do not think announcing the specific terms of one's probation was ever official policy. I have no doubt that it occurred, but I think it was probably just a case of a particular congregation going beyond what was "required."
The Organization as it stands today bears little resemblance to the one I was raised in. It is run almost entirely by lawyers and bean counters now, and it seems their primary concern is the protection of their assets. They are doing everything they can to limit their liability and exposure to law suits. I think that's what's really driving the changes in terminology, procedures, and policies. Whether something is correct or the right thing to do takes a back seat to whether the change could cost them money or make them look bad.
For the record, I reject the Governing Body for being the presumptuous, self-serving, self-aggrandizing, arrogant imposters of godly men that they are. I hope a special punishment awaits them for the untold and unnecessary suffering their ever-changing policies and doctrines have visited upon a gullible and trusting "brotherhood."