Can I reduce how Facebook makes money from my data?
Take Control: Limit Facebook’s Profits and Protect Your Data
Yes, you can take several steps to reduce how Facebook monetizes your presence and activity on the platform. While it’s impossible to eliminate all monetization entirely, you can limit the amount of data Facebook collects and uses for targeted advertising and other profit-driven activities. Choose some or all of these to suit your individual needs. I’ve included links that will take you directly to the appropriate settings pages. Read to the end for a great tip on reviewing the privacy ratings of common online apps.
Control the information businesses send to Meta
This is found in the Meta accounts centre under Your information and permissions. Select “Your activity off Meta technologies” where you can control or disconnect the information businesses send to Meta. When I checked the history for my accounts (it includes both Facebook and Instagram) I found hundreds of businesses listed. I started counting but stopped at three hundred and that was just for 2023. The best approach is to disconnect future activity which will also clear the history. You will still see the same number of ads on Facebook but they won’t be personalized based on your browsing history.
Change your ad preferences
In the ad preferences settings one thing you can do is manage ad topics. This feature lets you search for what you want to see less of on Facebook.
Manage Browser Cookies
Accepting browser cookies on websites can allow businesses to track and send data to Facebook, especially if the website has integrated Facebook’s tracking tools, like the Facebook Pixel. The Facebook Pixel helps businesses track user behavior, such as page visits, purchases, and other interactions, to optimize ad targeting and measure ad performance.
When you accept cookies on a site, you may be agreeing to allow cookies that collect and share your browsing data with third parties, which could include social media platforms like Facebook. These cookies can gather information about your behavior across different websites, which businesses can use to serve you more targeted ads, including on Facebook. Browser settings allow you to manage cookie settings. If you’re using Chrome you can manage these settings here.
Limit Your Data Sharing
Adjust Privacy Settings:
Go to Settings & Privacy > Privacy Checkup and tighten controls:Manage audience settings: Who can see your posts and profile details.
Manage who can see your personal information like phone number, email address, employment, etc. You can also restrict access to your friends list. This is highly recommended as it discourages scammers from copying your profile and sending friend requests to your existing friends list.
Restrict App Permissions:
Review apps and websites linked to your Facebook account in Settings > Apps and Websites. Remove permissions for apps you no longer use.
Avoid Interacting with Ads
Refrain from clicking on ads, even to close them, as this signals engagement. Instead:
Use the “Hide Ad” option if you see an ad that you dislike.
Report ads that are offensive or irrelevant.
Limit Tracking Across Devices
Use Tracking Blockers: Browser plugin Privacy Badger removes outgoing link click tracking on Facebook and Google.
Minimize Content Creation
Avoid posting content or engaging with posts that generate data for Facebook’s algorithms. For example:
Post less frequently or limit interactions like comments and reactions.
Avoid uploading extensive personal details, such as location tags or check-ins.
Diversify Your Social Media Use
Gradually shift your activity to other platforms that prioritize privacy or have better moderation, such as BlueSky or Mastodon. Follow me on Bluesky here.
Use Facebook solely for essential communication, reducing the amount of data it can collect.
Use Alternate Browsers and Devices
Access Facebook through a browser with built-in privacy protections instead of the app. Privacy-focused browsers like Brave or Firefox and Google Chrome with appropriate plugins can prevent extensive tracking.
On mobile, use tools like Lockdown Privacy to block trackers.
Delete Unnecessary Data
Periodically review and delete old posts, photos, or messages. Use the Activity Log to clean up your history.
These steps won't completely stop Facebook from monetizing your activity but can significantly limit its ability to profit from your data.
Tip: Review the apps you use — look at how they track you and what their privacy rating is!
Have you ever wondered about your privacy when using apps like Facebook Messenger and what apps use online trackers? Check out this review page by Lockdown Privacy here. You may not be surprised that the Facebook Messenger app privacy rating is F.
Did you find this information helpful or do you have some tips of your own you’d like to share? Leave a comment!
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