In our digitally connected world, every interaction on social media is meticulously tracked through cookies, leading to an onslaught of targeted advertisements. With recent announcements from Meta, such as the cessation of fact-checking protocols, there’s growing concern about unauthorized access to your personal data. If you’re not inclined to delete your Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp accounts altogether, don’t fret! You can take proactive steps to curtail Meta’s data collection. Thankfully, with just a few clicks, you can regain some control.
Initiating Your Privacy Settings
To begin your quest for better privacy, head over to Facebook’s Accounts Center. Start by logging into your Facebook account and selecting your profile picture situated in the top-right corner. From the drop-down options, navigate to Settings & Privacy -> Settings.
On the left side of the screen, click on See more in Accounts Center.
Eliminating Targeted Meta Advertisements
Next, select Ad preferences -> Manage info. In the section labeled Information used to show you ads, click on Activity information from ad partners.
A pop-up will appear; click on the blue Review setting button.
Ensure the option No, don’t make my ads more relevant by using this information is selected. Once you return to the Ad preferences page, confirm it reads Not using this information in red text.
Rejecting Data Use for External Advertisements
Back in the Accounts Center, select Ad preferences, and then choose Ads from ad partners under Ads shown outside of Meta.
Inside the pop-up, check Don’t show me ads from ad partners to ensure your data isn’t shared externally. When you navigate back to the Ad preferences page, it should confirm Not using this information in red text.
Turning Off “Off-Meta Technologies”Data Collection
Return to the Accounts Center. On the left sidebar, click on Your information and preferences -> Your activity off Meta technologies.
Click on Manage future activity, and then choose Disconnect from future activity. Please note that this action will clear any previous activity as well.
Disabling Location Settings on Meta Apps
Within the Accounts Center, select Your information and permissions on the left, then choose Access your information.
Click on Learn more in Privacy Center underneath Primary location.
A new tab will open with the Privacy Center. Under Learn how to manage your location, find and click the blue Review location settings button. This section reveals how Meta utilizes your location information, sourced from your IP address and GPS. If you’re not utilizing a VPN, your PC’s IP address will indicate your login location.
To revoke access to your precise location, adjust your Location Services settings on your mobile device. On Android, navigate to Settings -> Apps -> Facebook. Under Permissions, tap on Location and select Don’t Allow. Repeat this for Instagram and other apps. On an iPhone, go to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Location Services. Find Facebook, Instagram, etc., and choose Never.
Blocking Third-Party App Logins with Facebook Credentials
From the Accounts Center, navigate back to the main Settings and Privacy page. In the left sidebar, scroll down to Your activity and select Apps and websites.
Review the list of third-party apps and websites you’ve accessed using your Meta login. Feel free to remove any that you no longer wish to have linked.
Below this section, you’ll find Preferences. Next to Apps, websites and games, click on the Turn off option. This action will prevent your Meta credentials from being used to access third-party apps.
While taking these steps won’t completely shield you from Meta’s data collection practices, they will significantly limit the information they can exploit. In a world where user data can easily be manipulated, these adjustments empower you to reclaim some extent of control amidst ongoing concerns of privacy breaches.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Ryan Lynch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I completely stop Meta from collecting my data?
While you cannot fully stop Meta from collecting data, you can limit the information they gather by modifying your privacy settings, particularly regarding targeted ads and data sharing with third-party partners.
2. What happens if I disable location tracking?
Disabling location tracking prevents Meta from accessing your precise GPS location and IP address information, which in turn limits how they can personalize your experience and target ads based on your whereabouts.
3. Will these changes impact my overall experience on Facebook and Instagram?
You may notice a difference in the relevance of ads and content that appears on your feed, as limiting data collection may result in less personalized content. However, your privacy will significantly increase as a trade-off.
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