It is good that tech companies are getting more transparent about how they collect data and use them. Facebook admitted that it has the capability of tracking activity done outside of its app and website.

The “Off-Facebook Activity” feature includes information on user’s interactions with businesses and organizations through its platform. When users visit the business or organization’s website or log-in to any app using Facebook accounts, interactions will be sent to Facebook that makes it capable of tracking activity.

The company discloses that this feature is intended to improve the user’s experience by personalizing the preference of ads featured in the app. However, some users find this feature to be invasive of privacy, says Jordan Hogan of fox13now.

Off-Facebook Activity: tracking activity feature

Users have the prerogative to manage the “Off-Facebook Activity” tracking feature by simply choosing the setting from the menu, then scroll down and look for the Off-Facebook Activity option. Tap on the Manage Your Off-Facebook Activity option where users will be asked to log in their password for validation and security purposes. Users can opt to turn off this feature if that is preferred. They can choose to manage the feature or delete the history. More options can also be chosen that will lead to few further options to choose from. One of which is to manage future activity, letting the users choose their preference.

It is vital to read through the privacy section in order to be aware of the implications for using the app, as advised by Jennifer Huddleston who is the director of technology and innovation policy of the American Action Forum. She further advised users to make necessary changes that suit their liking.

Huddleston noticed that it has become a usual practice for users to just click yes without really reading the provision for such action. She advised users to take time to read before clicking yes just so one may know the implication for such action.

Privacy check

There are some apps and social media sites that also allow privacy checkups. For instance, Facebook has a dashboard that allows users to go through all of the privacy settings and adjust them accordingly at any time.

Twitter also has a privacy section that guides users on how to go about the necessary changes needed based on one’s preference. That guide can be found in its help center. Users can also protect their tweets by making them private, and securing their account.

Instagram clarifies the data it collects from users and is transparent in showing how these data are being used on its Data Policy Page. Since Instagram is now owned by Facebook, one can opt to change the data privacy settings through the Facebook platform.

For Apple devices, during the process of downloading the new app, users are prompt with notifications that will ask if one allows access to things like the camera, microphone, or location.

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