How Do I Stop Facebook From Sharing My Data?

Spread the love

Table of Contents

Introduction

In today’s digital age, social media is a big part of our lives. Platforms like Facebook give us amazing connectivity, but there’s a catch: data privacy concerns. More and more users are realizing their personal info is being collected, used, and shared, often without them even knowing.

It’s super important to understand and control your data on social media. This guide will show you how to stop Facebook from sharing your data. so your online presence stays secure and private.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the types of data Facebook collects and how it’s used.
Learn to adjust your privacy settings to limit data sharing.
Discover how to manage app permissions and enhance your privacy.
Follow additional tips for safeguarding your personal information on Facebook.

What Data Does Facebook Collect About You?

Before diving into ways to protect your privacy, it’s essential to comprehend the scope of data Facebook collects. This includes:

a. Personal Information

Aside from your name, email address, and phone number, Facebook collects a lot of personal data about you, such as your birthday, relationship status, and hobbies.

This also includes where you are, what sites you’ve been to, who you’re friends with, and even the kinds of things you connect with the most. All of this information helps Facebook make a complete picture of you, letting focused ads and custom content appear in your feed.

b. Activity Data

Likes, comments, sharing, and following pages are just some things that Facebook carefully records and keeps track of what you do there. This information determines your likes and dislikes and how you use the site.

This helps to make your experience more personal and to show you ads that are more relevant to you. Your contacts with friends and the time you spend on specific tasks are also part of the complete picture of your online presence.

c. Location Data

Through the GPS, IP address, and other location-based services on your computer/ Mobile, Facebook can find out where you are. For this reason, Facebook can still find out where you are even if you don’t manually check in.

The platform can show more relevant ads and custom content with these features. Still, many users are worried about their privacy.

d. Device Information

Facebook collects information about the devices you use to access Facebook, including details like your hardware model, operating system, and even your battery level.

In addition, Facebook gathers data about your device settings, unique device identifiers, and network details like your mobile operator and IP address. These details are essential for improving your user experience and ensuring they work well with the platform.

e. App and Browser Usage

Facebook collects information about how you use apps and websites, including what you view, how often you visit, and your likes, shares, and comments.

When you visit these sites, Facebook might also gather device details like your operating system, browser type, and IP address. This extensive data helps Facebook personalize your experience and tailor ads just for you.

How does Facebook use your personal data?

Facebook uses this data to personalize your experience, show you targeted ads, and enhance their services. However, it can also be shared with third-party companies for advertising and analytics, which might raise some privacy concerns.

How do I make my Facebook private and secure?

To safeguard your personal information, follow these steps to adjust your privacy settings:

a. Adjust Privacy Settings

Navigate to Settings: Click on the downward arrow at the top right corner of Facebook and select “Settings & Privacy,” then “Settings.”
Privacy Checkup: Use Facebook’s Privacy Checkup tool to review and adjust your settings.
Who Can See Your Posts: Set your default audience for posts. Limiting this to “Friends” or a custom list is advisable.
Profile Information: Control who can see your personal information, such as your email, phone number, and birthday, by setting it to “Only Me” or “Friends.”

Can I control who can find me on Facebook?

Yes, you can control who can find you on Facebook by adjusting your privacy settings. Here’s how:

Who Can Search for You Using Your Provided Email Address or Phone Number:

Head over to “Settings & Privacy” and then click on “Settings.”
Head over to the left-hand column and click on “Privacy.”
Under “How People Find and Contact You,” you’ll spot two options: one for your email address and one for your phone number. Just click on “Edit” next to each one.
Decide who can find you with this info: Everyone, Friends, Friends of Friends, or Only Me.

Search Engine Linking:

In the same “Privacy” section, check out “Do you want search engines outside of Facebook to link to your profile?“
Just click “Edit” and uncheck the box to keep search engines like Google from showing your Facebook profile in search results.

Who Can Send You Friend Requests:

Head over to the “Privacy” section and find “Who can send you friend requests?” Then click “Edit.”
Choose “Everyone” or “Friends of Friends” to decide who can send you friend requests on Facebook.

Who Can See Your Friends List:

Head over to your profile and hit the “Friends” tab.
Click the pencil icon in the panel’s top right corner, then choose “Edit Privacy.”
Choose who can see your friends list by picking from options like Public, Friends, Friends except…, Specific friends, Only me, or Custom.

By tweaking these settings, you can cut down on strangers finding and contacting you on Facebook, making your experience a lot more private.

How to manage permissions in Facebook?

Apps you link to your Facebook account can access your data. Want to manage app permissions? Here’s how:

a. Review App Permissions

Navigate to Settings: Head over to “Settings & Privacy,” click on “Settings,” and then choose “Apps and Websites.”
Active Apps: Look at the list of apps with access to your account. If there are any you don’t use or trust anymore, go ahead and remove them.
Permissions: For your active apps, click “View and Edit” to manage the data they can access.

b. Limiting Data Sharing

Limit Old Apps: Get rid of permissions for old apps you no longer use or those with outdated security.
Use App Controls: Some apps let you control what they can access right from their own settings.

Additional Tips for Improved Privacy

Beyond adjusting Facebook’s built-in settings, consider these additional steps to protect your privacy further:

a. Be Mindful of What You Share

Personal Information: Be careful not to share sensitive information in public.
Post Content: Think twice before sharing too much about your daily life or personal likes and dislikes online.

b. How do I enable 2FA on the authenticator app?

Set Up 2FA: Head over to “Settings & Privacy,” click on “Security and Login,” and then choose “Use two-factor authentication.”
Choose a Method: Go for text message codes or an authentication app to give your account an extra layer of security.

c. Monitor Your Activity and Security Settings Regularly

Security Checkup: Give Facebook’s Security Checkup tool a try to review and boost your account security.
Login Alerts: Turn on alerts for unrecognized logins to stay in the loop about any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Protecting your privacy on Facebook requires a proactive approach. By understanding the types of data Facebook collects and taking steps to control your privacy settings, you can significantly reduce the risk of sharing your personal information without your consent.

Key takeaways for protecting your privacy on Facebook include:

Regularly review and adjust your privacy settings.
Be mindful of the information and content you share.
Manage app permissions to limit data access.
Use two-factor authentication and monitor your account activity.

Staying informed and vigilant about your data privacy is crucial in today’s digital age. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of your online presence and ensure your data remains secure.

More From Tech USA Guide: