Avoiding Facebook data traps
If you use your Facebook account to log into other websites or apps, then it’s time to check who is collecting your data.
Using Facebook is an easy way to register for a website and it means you don’t need to remember another password.
However, you need to be aware that your data could be passed on, sold, or, in the recent case of datagathering service Cambridge Analytica, exploited as a way to influence an election.
Cambridge Analytica used a personality test app to scrape users’ personal data which was then used to target users in the US election.
While it’s doubtful Kiwis’ data was used in that case, it should serve as a warning and prompt you to check which services have access to your activity.
It’s a wee bit fiddly but it’s worth the time if you value your information.
In your Facebook account, go to Settings, then Apps. Then tap ‘‘Logged in with Facebook’’. This will show you all the services accessing your account. It can range from major websites like Amazon to tiny apps such as games you played once many years ago.
These apps will have access to data such as who your friends are, your birthday or relationship status. If you’re not comfortable with the site or app having that data, then remove it.
Another reason to delete them is to protect your security. If one of the apps connected to your main account is compromised all the others are at risk too.
However, if you delete an app’s access you will also lose information such as your high scores. This can’t be recovered.
Another option is to delete your Facebook account.
This is the only sure way to control your data. You have two options. First, you can just deactivate your account, which means it’ll disappear from public view but Facebook will still hold all your data and you can go back and restart it later if you change your mind.
The other option is to delete your account which will get rid of your data. Facebook lets you download all your data before your account disappears, and it takes 90 days to complete.
These apps will have access to data such as who your friends are, your birthday or relationship status.