In 2018 Facebook has been called out for massive data sharing that exploited the information of over 87 million of the platform’s users. For World Privacy week FixMeStick has compiled a list of settings you should change from Facebook’s defaults. While these settings claim to optimize your user experience they share a ton of information that’s used by third-party advertisers. Keep reading for tips that can limit that data your share on Facebook.
All of the following settings can be changed in the “settings” tab under the down arrow at the top right of any Facebook page.
Data you share with friends:
- Since the Cambridge Analytica scandal Facebook has removed the culpable feature called “Apps Others Use” that previously allowed any online friend to opt into sharing your data.
- You can limit how people find you on Facebook or what posts your friends see in the “Privacy” subsection of “Settings.”
Data you share with apps:
- If you go to the “Apps and Websites” section under settings you can restrict the posts and information available to applications by turning off the “apps, websites, and games” setting.
- For applications like Messenger you can turn your microphone off by going to the application in your “Settings” on your tablet or phone. Just make sure you turn it back on for the next time your daughter calls.
Data you share with advertisers:
- You can limit the information you share with advertisers under “Ads.” Go to “Your Information” to see what defaults of your profile have been previously shared. From there you can go into “Your Categories” to see if you wish to change the information they’ve gleaned from your Facebook usage.
- Under “Ad Settings” you can change whether you want to allow information from other platforms to influence the advertisements you see on Facebook. Other platforms may include services like WhatsApp or Instagram which are both owned by Facebook.
Login alerts:
- This safety measure is about ensuring no one else accesses your Facebook profile, especially if you use a shared computer. Go to “Security and Login” and “Two Factor Authentication.” If you’re okay with giving Facebook your phone number you can have the platform send you a numerical code via text message every time someone logs into your account.
- Alternatively you could download an application like Google Authenticator on another device to deliver the generated numerical code.
Protect yourself:
- Changing these settings is great, but we also need to protect ourselves. We recommend McAfee Total Protection because it helps protect you across 5 devices. Get an exclusive discount of over 50% off because you’re a FixMeStick customer. Click here to try it today!
Check out what the “Settings” section of Facebook looks like: 