Ever just finished a conversation with someone, and you go back to your Facebook or Instagram feed to see ads or posts relating to that exact thing you just finished talking about?
Many people believe that the Facebook app is always listening to our conversations. While it’s not quite that intrusive, it is astonishing how much data Facebook collects on us to build a detailed profile. From the coffee shops we frequent to our preferred clothing brands and even our political views, Facebook tracks an immense amount of information.
Now, Facebook has given users access to see exactly how much it knows about them. The Off-Facebook Activity tracker has finally been released, and it provides a 180-day overview of the data Facebook collects from third-party apps and websites.
What Is Off-Facebook Activity?
The Off-Facebook Activity feature shows you which businesses and organisations have shared your activity with Facebook. While you won’t be able to erase your entire history like clearing a web browser cache, it does allow you to manage and unlink certain data sources.
For many users, logging in to check this for the first time can be a rude awakening. I was shocked to find that 649 apps and websites had shared my activity with Facebook—all of which contributed to the tailored ads and content I see on my Facebook feed.
How to Check Your Off-Facebook Activity
If you’re curious about how much data Facebook has on you, you can check it by following these steps:
- Open the Facebook app or website.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Under Your Facebook Information, select Off-Facebook Activity.
- Here, you’ll see a list of websites and apps that have shared your data.
- You can choose to manage or clear some of this activity.
Why Does Facebook Collect So Much Data?
The main reason Facebook gathers this data is to enhance its advertising platform. By understanding user behaviour, Facebook can serve highly targeted ads to keep advertisers satisfied. Businesses rely on these insights to reach their ideal audience, making Facebook one of the most powerful digital advertising tools available.
However, for users, this level of tracking can feel invasive. The good news is that Facebook provides some level of control, allowing you to limit what data is shared and manage how ads are personalised.
How to Protect Your Privacy on Facebook
If you’re concerned about your privacy on Facebook, here are some steps you can take:
- Review your Off-Facebook Activity regularly.
- Limit app permissions when signing in with Facebook on third-party sites.
- Adjust your ad preferences in Facebook’s settings.
- Use browser extensions that block tracking scripts.
- Clear your browsing data and avoid logging into multiple sites using Facebook.
Final Thoughts
While Facebook isn’t outright spying on our conversations, its data collection practices are extensive. If you want to take control of your digital footprint, it’s worth exploring the Off-Facebook Activity tool and making adjustments to your privacy settings.
Staying informed and managing your online activity can help you maintain a better balance between convenience and privacy in the digital world.
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