Lego Bricks of Data and Personal Information: Facebook
One of the tech giants in the modern world was explicitly tackled during a discussion, Facebook. It was all about how the company collects data, and how they earn their revenue even though the services they offer are free. It was a take me back trip to the phrase "If it is free, then you are the product". Facebook is a company that revolves around data. The data they collect from their users will be used for personalized ads from third-parties such as partners and service providers. Meaning, they share our data towards companies who may benefit it. However, they insist that they never sell it. Still, the term "third parties" is broad and can range from pharmaceutical brands to even political figures. There are different categories on how Facebook collects your data; first we have explicit data, these are data which the user themselves voluntarily gave to Facebook. Next are metadata, also known as behind the scenes data like time, date, IP address, and device information. Then we have off-Facebook activity, wherein data are collected from plugins like Facebook pixel or Instagram and WhatsApp. Lastly, are third-party data, which are collected through other sources outside of Facebook and its partners which relates with you. In an objective perspective, the way on how they can track you easily is scary. One small tweak and Facebook could become the greatest threat on a national scale. With all that risks out in the open, what can I do to be safe? Just stop using Facebook? I cannot do that since it is the tool I am using to stay in touch with society and its current events. Is there any other way? Of course there is, that is limiting on how much you expose. Always remember that Facebook is getting profit from your data, and they may claim that your data is safe, but there is never a 100% security in this world. To conclude, Facebook is an amalgamation of data and it has the potential to become a pandora's box. So, in the case that it really becomes that, even on a small scale, let us protect our own data through these ways: 1. The Facebook app can collect more data about you than just using it on the browser. Delete and uninstall it. 2. Use a Facebook container extension when browsing Facebook on a browser like Brave or Firefox. 3. Manage your off-Facebook activity in ways like clearing history to break connections 4. Be mindful of what your profile exposes in the public, be private and limit what personal information you provide publicly. 5. Always and always think twice before posting something, especially photos. 6. In general, be stingy on the information or data that you provide. This is not only applicable on Facebook but, to all cyber activities you participate in. It is a sad fact that Facebook is profiting on so many people that do not know they are the product. I will spread the awareness of data privacy in my own way. It may be small, but every drop will count. "Privacy only comes to those who work for" - All Things Secured, 2022
