Facebook's Fine Print Includes Permission to Track

[Bob Of Burleson]

By Reed Albergotti
The Wall Street Journal

For Facebook users, there are few places to hide on the Internet.

In order to access Facebook, users must agree to a lengthy terms of service contract that outline everything Facebook has permission to do. That includes tracking users, even when they aren't on Facebook, for advertising purposes.

Facebook tracks users by placing a cookie, or a small text file, on the computers of its users. The cookie communicates with so-called pixel code installed on many popular websites.

Pixel code is often included in Facebook services that allow companies to take advantage of Facebook in several ways. Online publishers can install "Like" and "Share" buttons on content. Those buttons increase sharing on Facebook, which increases traffic to publishers' sites. Online retailers can use pixel code to purchase Facebook ads targeted to people who were just about to buy something, then got distracted and later ended up browsing Facebook.

The pixel code also lets Facebook know what its users are looking at on the Web. That information is invaluable to Facebook, because it gives the company a better idea about the interests of users. That increases the effectiveness of Facebook's targeted advertising, which means Facebook can charge companies more for ads.

Facebook says it does not share the personal data with anyone outside of Facebook.

Users who want to get a glimpse of what Facebook knows about them have a couple of options. By clicking the "x" or the "v" in the top-right corner of a Facebook advertisement, users can access the "ad preferences," where they will see a list of the characteristics Facebook uses to target ads at them.

Users also can download a copy of their Facebook data. They can find this option toward the bottom of the general settings menu within Facebook. Click on "Download a copy" link and then the green "start my archive" button.

Of course, this process can take a significant amount of time. Ultimately, a good chunk of what you have ever uploaded to Facebook will be available in a single zip file.

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[Bob Of Burleson]

Another Facebook goodie HERE

[Just Me]

There are ways to block the tracking - Chrome has:

Facebook Disconnect
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/facebook-disconnect/ejpepffjfmamnambagiibghpglaidiec?hl=en-US

Haven't looked on Firefox, but I bet they have ways to do the same.

[Bob Of Burleson]

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/donottrackplus/

[LibraryLady]

Thanks for that info. added the Firefox add on, and it has reported 1 blocked already.
Now, to fix my chrome.