As the recent news of Facebook’s data breach has gained more notice, users of the social media platform have wondered what of their information and data has been compromised and what they can do to lock down their accounts. Here are three things to know about your Facebook account.
1. Facebook deals in data collection and distribution.
One of the best things about Facebook — and many other social media platforms — are their free nature. However, that comes with the trade-off of having your data and information passed along to marketers and businesses to target you for ads. Most users understand and accept this, but as University of Toledo College of Law associate professor Agnieszka McPeak said. “Once it reaches the point where it’s being used by third parties, who never consented their use of it and is used to create a psychological profile to show you one-sided or fake news ads to influence your conduct in a political campaign, that crosses the line for a lot of people.”
2. You can download the information Facebook has on you.
Under the general settings page on Facebook, click on the “Download a copy of your Facebook data.” From there, a zip file of your information will be emailed to you. The results will range from the expected — photos and videos you’ve posted — to the unexpected as users on the Android platform also have their phone and text message records listed.
3. How to limit what third-party apps can collect about you.
While you’re still on the settings page, click on ‘apps’ along the left side menu. There you will find the apps which have access to different parts of your information; you can completely delete their privileges or adjust them accordingly. Just know, there’s only so much you can do, and parts of your data and information will still be shared to marketers.
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First Published March 28, 2018, 2:43 p.m.