Facebook gives more control globally on website and app data
Facebook is now rolling out controls over the data that apps and websites share with the social network worldwide. In addition, over the next few weeks, users will be encouraged to review their privacy settings when they open the Facebook app.
This was announced by founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday. Last August, Facebook initially only introduced the option to view the information shared about activities outside of the platform for a few countries such as Ireland, Spain and South Korea.
The data points that are sent to Facebook include, for example, opening an app, accessing a website, viewing content and, in the case of online stores, searching for items, adding them to the shopping cart and making a purchase. Facebook then assigns the information to a user profile. The information can also reach the online network via advertising agencies or data service providers.
Data is not deleted
At the same time, the information is not complete, Facebook explains: "For technical and reliability reasons, we do not show all activities that we have been informed about." The other providers are also prohibited from sharing confidential information with Facebook.
With the control tool, users can now ensure that the information they receive is no longer linked to their Facebook profile. Previously collected data is also unlinked from the profile, but not deleted.
In spring 2018, Zuckerberg had already announced a control tool called "Clear History", which would allow users to "clean up" or "flush away" data collected outside of the online network. The online network is now referring to a tool for managing activities outside of Facebook instead. (SDA)
