Are Facebook and Instagram spying on you? Here’s how to stop it
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Social media seems harmless, but there's more lurking behind the scenes. Facebook and Instagram are not just about connections—they're collecting your data.
Want to know how to take back control of your privacy?
Melanie Joy, a tech expert who recently took to social media, has shone a light on the covert methods by which Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta, gather information about our online behaviors.
This data collection extends beyond the confines of their platforms, tracking our digital footprints across the web.
The revelation comes at a time when Meta is already under fire for its decision to dismantle its fact-checking program, a move that has sparked widespread concern over the potential for unchecked misinformation online.
This decision, announced by Mark Zuckerberg himself, aligns with what he describes as a return to “free speech” on the platforms, but it also raises questions about the balance between freedom and responsibility in the digital age.
For those of us who value our privacy, Melanie Joy's insights offer a beacon of hope.
She outlines a simple yet effective process to limit Meta's reach into our personal data:
1. Navigate to “See more in Account Center” on your Facebook or Instagram settings.
2. Click on “Your information and permissions.”
3. Proceed to “Your activity off Meta technologies,” then select “Clear previous activity.”
4. Finally, go to “Manage future activity” and toggle it to “turn it off.”
Alternatively, you can:
1. Follow the first two steps above.
2. Choose “Ad preferences” and then “Activity information from ad partners.”
3. Review these settings and shut them down completely if you wish.
By taking these steps, you'll still encounter ads on Facebook and Instagram, but they'll be less tailored to your personal data.
It's important to note that changes may take up to 48 hours to take effect.
Users who have followed Joy's advice report being astonished at the sheer number of companies that had access to their data.
As we navigate the digital waters, it's crucial to stay informed about the policies and practices of the platforms we use.
The recent policy changes at Meta, including the controversial elimination of the fact-checking program, underscore the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect our online presence.
Zuckerberg's assertion that third-party moderators were “too politically biased” and his commitment to a new system of “community notes” similar to platform X, suggests a significant shift in how content will be moderated on Meta's platforms.
This shift has implications not only for privacy but also for the integrity of the information ecosystem, particularly in light of the role social media played in past elections.
At The GrayVine, we believe in empowering our community with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their digital lives.
We encourage you to take a moment to review your privacy settings on all social media platforms and consider implementing the steps outlined above.
Let's lock down our digital profiles and keep our personal data out of the reach of prying eyes!
Have you taken steps to protect your data on social media? What are your thoughts on the balance between free speech and fact-checking? Share your experiences and tips for maintaining online privacy in the comments below.
Want to know how to take back control of your privacy?
Melanie Joy, a tech expert who recently took to social media, has shone a light on the covert methods by which Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta, gather information about our online behaviors.
This data collection extends beyond the confines of their platforms, tracking our digital footprints across the web.
Tech expert Melanie Joy shared a video on social media revealing hidden ways Facebook and Instagram collect user data. Image source: Brett Jordan/Pexels.
The revelation comes at a time when Meta is already under fire for its decision to dismantle its fact-checking program, a move that has sparked widespread concern over the potential for unchecked misinformation online.
This decision, announced by Mark Zuckerberg himself, aligns with what he describes as a return to “free speech” on the platforms, but it also raises questions about the balance between freedom and responsibility in the digital age.
For those of us who value our privacy, Melanie Joy's insights offer a beacon of hope.
She outlines a simple yet effective process to limit Meta's reach into our personal data:
1. Navigate to “See more in Account Center” on your Facebook or Instagram settings.
2. Click on “Your information and permissions.”
3. Proceed to “Your activity off Meta technologies,” then select “Clear previous activity.”
4. Finally, go to “Manage future activity” and toggle it to “turn it off.”
Alternatively, you can:
1. Follow the first two steps above.
2. Choose “Ad preferences” and then “Activity information from ad partners.”
3. Review these settings and shut them down completely if you wish.
By taking these steps, you'll still encounter ads on Facebook and Instagram, but they'll be less tailored to your personal data.
It's important to note that changes may take up to 48 hours to take effect.
Users who have followed Joy's advice report being astonished at the sheer number of companies that had access to their data.
As we navigate the digital waters, it's crucial to stay informed about the policies and practices of the platforms we use.
The recent policy changes at Meta, including the controversial elimination of the fact-checking program, underscore the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect our online presence.
Zuckerberg's assertion that third-party moderators were “too politically biased” and his commitment to a new system of “community notes” similar to platform X, suggests a significant shift in how content will be moderated on Meta's platforms.
This shift has implications not only for privacy but also for the integrity of the information ecosystem, particularly in light of the role social media played in past elections.
At The GrayVine, we believe in empowering our community with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their digital lives.
We encourage you to take a moment to review your privacy settings on all social media platforms and consider implementing the steps outlined above.
Let's lock down our digital profiles and keep our personal data out of the reach of prying eyes!
