Last update Jan. 15, 2025
How to protect myself?
Tips to protect your privacy and security while using Facebook.
- Enable two-factor authentication to secure your account.
- Review and adjust your privacy settings regularly.
- Be cautious when sharing personal information publicly.
- Use the ‘Download Your Information’ feature to monitor your data.
What happens when I sign up?
Facebook collects significant personal data during sign-up.
- You provide personal information like your name, email, and phone number.
- Facebook collects your device and location data upon account creation.
- Your profile information is used to suggest friends and tailor your experience.
Who can access my data?
Facebook allows access to your data under specific conditions.
- Your data is accessible to advertisers for personalized ads.
- Meta employees may access aggregated or anonymized data for analysis.
- Authorities can request data through legal processes.
How long is my data stored?
Facebook retains your data until it is manually deleted.
- Your data remains stored until you delete your account.
- Deleted accounts are retained temporarily in case of recovery.
- Log data and backups may persist for an extended period.
How can I delete my data?
Facebook provides account deletion and a tool to download your data.
- Navigate to 'Settings & Privacy' > 'Settings' > 'Your Facebook Information' > 'Deactivation and Deletion'.
- Choose 'Permanently Delete Account' to remove all data associated with your account.
- You can download your Facebook data before deletion through the same menu.
How are my data used?
Facebook uses your data to improve services and target advertising.
- Data is used to personalize your feed and ads.
- Your interactions help improve Facebook’s services and algorithms.
- Advertisers use your activity for targeted campaigns.
Are there ethical concerns with the service's AI implementation?
Facebook’s AI usage raises ethical concerns.
- AI algorithms may reinforce echo chambers and misinformation.
- There are concerns about transparency in AI moderation decisions.
- Facebook’s AI practices have faced scrutiny for influencing user behavior.
Does this service use AI?
Facebook relies heavily on AI for content moderation and recommendations.
- AI analyzes your activity to recommend friends, groups, and content.
- Content moderation algorithms detect and remove harmful or inappropriate material.
- Ad targeting leverages AI to optimize campaign effectiveness.
Does this service support two-factor authentication?
Facebook supports two-factor authentication for account security.
- 2FA can be enabled in account settings using SMS, authentication apps, or hardware keys.
- 2FA adds a layer of protection against unauthorized access.
- Notifications alert you of unrecognized login attempts.
What encryption methods does this service use?
Facebook uses encryption for data protection but has faced challenges with security.
- TLS encrypts communication between users and Facebook servers.
- Stored data is protected by internal encryption protocols.
- Encryption practices for specific data types are not fully disclosed.
Is my data secure?
Facebook employs industry-standard security measures to protect user data.
- Uses HTTPS to encrypt communication between users and servers.
- Offers features like security alerts and suspicious login notifications.
- However, Facebook has experienced major security breaches in the past.