Facebook’s privacy policies and terms of service are often updated to address new features or changes in how users’ data is handled. While Facebook frequently makes small tweaks to these policies, major changes that significantly impact users’ privacy do not occur very often.
What are the most recent changes to Facebook’s privacy policy?
Facebook’s privacy policy was last substantially updated in January 2023. Here are some of the key changes that were introduced:
- More details provided about how Facebook uses data to recommend content and ads
- Updates on how messaging across Facebook’s apps works regarding data collection and storage
- Expanded information on how Facebook uses location data from devices and connects location information to user profiles
- Updates to data deletion policies, including new ability for users to request deletion of posts they have shared
While these changes provided more transparency into Facebook’s data practices, they did not represent major shifts in how Facebook handles user privacy overall. The January 2023 update was focused on providing additional details and clarifications rather than introducing new data collection or use policies.
How often does Facebook update its privacy policy?
Facebook updates its privacy policy a few times per year on average. However, most updates are minor changes rather than substantial shifts in policy.
Here is a look at when Facebook has made major updates to its privacy policy over the past several years:
| January 2023 | Additional details provided on use of data for recommendations and ads, location data practices, messaging data across apps, data deletion options |
| April 2021 | Updates to data handling for Facebook products and technologies like Oculus virtual reality, Workplace enterprise software, and Portal video calling devices |
| July 2020 | Changes to address compliance with California Consumer Privacy Act requirements |
| April 2018 | Updates related to Cambridge Analytica data scandal and new GDPR requirements |
As this timeline shows, major revisions to the privacy policy come about once every 1-3 years on average. Most updates focus on complying with new regulations or addressing specific events rather than making sweeping changes to data practices.
What’s included in Facebook’s Data Policy?
In addition to the privacy policy, Facebook maintains a Data Policy that provides additional details focused specifically on how different types of user data are collected and used. This covers topics such as:
- Information you provide directly to Facebook
- Data from devices and third-party partners
- Information collection across Facebook Products like Instagram and Messenger
- Facial recognition data
- Your activity on websites and apps that use Facebook tools
The Data Policy was last updated in January 2023 in conjunction with the privacy policy changes. It goes hand-in-hand with the privacy policy to explain Facebook’s practices related to user information.
What user data does Facebook collect?
Facebook collects a vast amount of data about its users including:
- Basic profile information like name, contact info, relationships
- Posts, photos, videos, and other content users share
- Networks and connections between users
- Interactions on Facebook like likes, shares, comments
- Device data like location, IP address, cookies
- Activity on third-party sites and apps using Facebook tools
- Information from partners like advertisers and app developers
Some key types of data Facebook collects:
Profile Information
When you create a Facebook account, you provide basic info like name, email or phone number, password, gender, and birthday. This forms the basic profile information that allows Facebook to identify you as a unique user.
Posts and Multimedia
Any posts you share containing text, photos, videos, live videos, Stories, audio clips, digital files, and more are all collected by Facebook. This allows them to analyze the content and metadata to learn about your interests.
Networks and Connections
Your friends list along with any likes, follows, groups, or events you are connected to help Facebook understand your social connections and networks.
Interactions
When you interact with content or other users through actions like liking, commenting, sharing, or viewing, Facebook registers these interactions. They help understand what types of content you prefer seeing.
Device and Activity Data
Through their pixels and SDKs integrated into apps and websites, Facebook collects information about your device such as IP address, location, browser type, operating system, and app or site activity.
Facial Recognition Data
Facebook’s facial recognition abilities allow them to identify you in photos and videos uploaded to the platform, even if not tagged. Users can opt-out of this feature.
Partner and Advertiser Data
Facebook receives information about users and their interests from partners like advertisers and app developers that help improve ad targeting and measurement.
Purchasing Activity
If you make purchases or conduct transactions through Facebook products like Marketplace or Shops, data is collected on your purchase behavior and preferences.
How does Facebook use this data?
Facebook leverages the data it collects on users in the following ways:
Personalizing Content
Data like your posts, interests, social connections, and activities help Facebook curate your News Feed and other content tailored specifically to you.
Serving Relevant Ads
By analyzing your demographic info, interests, behavior on and off Facebook, and more, highly targeted ads can be delivered.
Improving Products
Usage data and information gleaned from networks and connections help Facebook refine and enhance their products.
Ranking and Recommendations
Signals like connections, interactions, and device activity determine what content is prioritized and recommended to you.
Facilitating Communications
Information on your connections and interactions facilitates communications like friend suggestions, messaging, groups, and events.
Developing New Products
Insights from how people use Facebook and associated data support building new products like Facebook Horizon and Portal.
Analytics and Research
Facebook relies heavily on analytics and academic research to improve algorithms, build new technologies, and advance capabilities.
Safety and Security
Data helps Facebook monitor and enforce policies around objectionable content, hacking, misinformation, election integrity, and minor safety.
What are Facebook’s main approaches to privacy?
While Facebook collects a lot of data on users, their stated goal is to try balancing user privacy with experiences tailored to individuals. Here are some of the main ways Facebook addresses privacy:
User Control Over Privacy Settings
Facebook offers numerous options for users to control their privacy settings and what data is visible to others. Settings are available for:
- Who can see your posts and profile info
- Limiting data collected for ad targeting
- Controlling visibility of past posts
- Removing facial recognition abilities
- Blocking app invites and event invites
- And more…
New Privacy-Focused Products
Facebook has introduced new messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger focused on privacy through encryption. Groups and Events also offer options to limit visibility.
Data Transparency
Users can access detailed information on what data Facebook collects on them and how it is used through tools like Access Your Information and Activity Log.
Research Partnerships
Facebook partners with privacy scholars and academics to get input on building privacy-centric products and understand concerns.
Industry Collaboration
Facebook participates in industry privacy initiatives like the Data Transfer Project to improve data portability.
What criticisms does Facebook face regarding privacy?
Despite these efforts, Facebook still faces significant criticism regarding user privacy including:
Changing Policies Without Consent
Privacy policies frequently change without getting affirmative opt-in consent from users. New data practices are imposed without notice.
Too Much Data Collection
Facebook is accused of collecting far more user data than required to provide services, leveraging it for profit and influence.
Lack of Transparency
How Facebook’s algorithms utilize data is opaque with limited transparency into why users see certain ads, posts, or recommendations.
Misusing Facial Recognition
Facebook’s extensive facial recognition capabilities raise concerns about exposure of user identities without consent.
Poor Accountability
Critics argue Facebook is not properly held accountable for misusing data or failing to protect privacy through legal/regulatory channels.
Data Leaks and Hacks
A series of data breaches and hacks like Cambridge Analytica have exposed Facebook’s failures in protecting privacy.
Weak Oversight
Facebook largely polices itself on privacy with limited independent or third-party oversight to ensure accountability.
What recent events have impacted Facebook’s approach to privacy?
Facebook’s privacy practices have evolved due to several major events in recent years:
Cambridge Analytica Scandal
The data firm obtaining millions of users’ info without consent led Facebook to invest heavily in privacy processes and transparency.
Record FTC Fine
In 2019 Facebook had to pay $5 billion for privacy violations, prompting stronger compliance controls and consent procedures.
GDPR Taking Effect
The E.U.’s GDPR privacy law forced Facebook to give users more control over personal data starting in 2018.
Multiple Data Leaks
Hundreds of millions of users’ data being exposed forced Facebook to lock down APIs and audit third-party apps.
Public and Regulator Backlash
Increasing criticism of Facebook’s power over data has pushed the company to communicate more on privacy protections.
New Data Regulations
Emerging data privacy laws like CCPA have led Facebook to revamp policies to extend rights and controls.
Employee Criticism
Internal employee dissent and whistleblowers have pressured Facebook to reassess harmful practices regarding user data.
Conclusion
While Facebook has faced valid criticism and problems regarding privacy, they have taken steps to strengthen protections in recent years through more controls, transparency, and compliance efforts. However, fundamental tensions remain between Facebook’s business model centered on data and user demands for privacy. Changes going forward will likely continue to happen incrementally as new regulations and scrutiny are applied. But the scale at which Facebook relies on collecting and leveraging user data makes dramatic shifts unlikely unless outside intervention forces their hand. For the foreseeable future, Facebook will likely continue straddling the line between personalized services and privacy protections.