Facebook's data collections are repeatedly criticized. As of July 31, 2019, the network added an important point to its terms of use . It explains how Facebook's services are financed.

In this article, “ checked4you ” explains the essential points of the terms of use. For example, did you know that you n't be younger than 13 to have a profile? Or that convicted sex offenders are not allowed to have a profile ? Facebook also wants each user to only a single profile with their real name .

Because Facebook refers to its own privacy policy ( data policy ) several times in its terms of use, we will consider both together in this article.

Facebook tracks what you do elsewhere

You've just checked something out in an online shop and you've already seen the shop's advertising on your screen when you visit Facebook. This is called personalized advertising . This is made possible, among other things, by cookies : small files that are stored in the browser. Quite a few sites on the Internet use cookies. They are also necessary for some functions.

Facebook can also track its users online using so-called plugins For example, website operators can put a Like button or Facebook pixel on their site. Facebook uses this to collect data from site visitors and can assign it to user profiles.

Facebook uses such information to select the advertising that is shown to you. Those who produce the advertising pay for this. In both the Terms of Service and the Data Statement, Facebook writes: “We provide advertisers with reports about the types of people who see their ads and the performance of their ads, but we do not share information that personally identifies you […] unless you allow us to do so.”

Why is this critical?

Translated, Facebook's statement means: The social network can collect information about when and how long its users were on the homepage of an online shop, for example, and whether they ordered something there. So data is stored somewhere about how much time you spend on the internet and what you do during that time. The information can be used, for example, to show you posts that are specifically intended to influence your opinion - such as the Cambridge Analytica .

What can I do about it?

You can use one browser just for Facebook and open all other websites with a different browser. If this is too much of a hassle for you, you should set your browser to delete all cookies when you close it. You should do this before you log in to Facebook next time. It is more convenient to use your browser in private mode or to prohibit the storage of third-party cookies in the settings. Video instructions are available on the NRW consumer advice center website.

As already mentioned, this is just one way Facebook gets data. Another example is the collection of data via Instagram and WhatsApp - whereby the messenger service states that it does not share data from German users with Facebook for advertising purposes.

Facebook knows where you are

Hey, are you at the train station right now? How about a burger – it only costs 99 cents here!

Do you want your phone to show you messages like this? This could happen if you use Facebook as an app, for example. In its data policy, the social network grants itself the right to use your location to select advertising. Facebook locates your cell phone and therefore knows where you are and can show you advertisements from nearby shops. It also learns about your preferences when you tap the advertisement.

Why is this critical?

At first you might think: Well then let a few people in America know when I'll be where - I don't care. But think about who is on your friends list. Do you want them to be able to see where you are at all times? The “ Nearby friends ” function in the app makes this possible. It shows users when friends are nearby. Imagine you told your parents you were in school and they saw that you were actually hanging out somewhere else.

What can I do about it?

Option 1: Don't use Facebook on your cell phone. Option 2: You can switch off the location service via the settings on your smartphone (or at least prohibit Facebook and other apps such as Instagram, WhatsApp or Oculus, which also belong to Facebook from accessing your location and thus protect a good deal of your privacy. And you can block apps from using your advertising ID .

Facebook looks closely at what devices you use

How fast is your computer? Which cell phone do you have? And do you use Android, Windows or iOS? How much power does your battery still have? How good is your cell phone reception? What mobile network do you have – and what cell phone number? And most importantly: What files and apps do you have on your phone? And what other programs are running while you use Facebook? In its data policy, Facebook allows itself to read everything from your smartphone or PC. Of course, there is also permission to locate you via GPS, Bluetooth or WiFi. The Facebook makers can find out where and how you log in and use the Internet beyond Facebook.

Why is this critical?

Counter question: Do you want your parents and all your friends to know which games you play or which photos and videos you have saved? You allow Facebook to do this unless you adjust your settings accordingly. And no one – except perhaps some employees at Facebook – knows what they do with it.

What can I do about it?

Don't use Facebook on the go. Do you always have to post from anywhere or is it enough that you just log in on your computer or tablet at home (of course with the cookie settings recommended above or a browser add-on to disguise your identity)? the Facebook app or Messenger at all. Because you have the most data on your cell phone - just think of all the contacts! We also dedicate a separate article to contact access

Contradiction? Nope!

Even if photos or status messages circulate again and again in which users contradict the conditions or point out to Facebook their intellectual property rights - they are absolutely ineffective. Anyone who uses the network agrees to the rules. If they go too far, you have to leave Facebook .

Article image: Shutterstock / By Michal Ludwiczak


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