How to Stop Facebook Ad Tracking & Unwanted Data Collection 

  • By Muhid Suleman

    Muhid Suleman

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    Muhid Suleman, An expert writer from Pureprivacy's content team, Dedicate to make data privacy simple and accessible for you. Muhid, Our Content Wizard, weaves tales about online privacy using simple and user friendly procedures. He firmly believes that online privacy is your right and a big deal in the digital jungle.

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  • 5 July 2024
  • 8 mins read

18% of Americans think Facebook protects their privacy and data, while the other 82% don’t trust the platform with their data. 

It is common knowledge that Facebook tracks personal information of billions of users to sell data to advertising agencies and surveillance companies. 

And, if you think Facebook is actively tracking your private data, here is a guide to prevent regular data collection.

What is Ad Tracking on Facebook?

Ad tracking on Facebook means Facebook watches what you do online, like what posts you like, what you click on, and where you go on the internet. They use this information to show you ads that match your interests and activities.

Why Is It Important to Stop Ad Tracking on Facebook?

Protect Your Data

Ad tracking on Facebook allows the platform to collect extensive data about your online behavior, preferences, and interactions. By stopping ad tracking, you protect your privacy and prevent Facebook from creating detailed profiles based on your personal information.

Reduce Intrusive Ads

Ad tracking enables Facebook to deliver targeted ads based on your browsing history and interests. By stopping ad tracking, you reduce the amount of personalized advertising you see, minimizing the influence of targeted marketing tactics.

Avoid Data Exploitation

Stopping ad tracking on Facebook helps prevent your data from being exposed by third-party advertisers and organizations. It reduces the risk of your personal information being used without your permission for purposes you may not agree with or approve.

Control Your Information

By stopping ad tracking, you get control over the information Facebook collects about you. This control allows you to manage how your data is used, shared, and stored on the platform, ensuring transparency and accountability in data handling practices.

Enhance Online Security

Ad tracking can potentially expose your personal information to security risks, such as data breaches and identity theft. Stopping ad tracking on Facebook enhances your online security by reducing the exposure of sensitive data to unauthorized parties.

How to Stop Ad Tracking on Facebook Step-by-Step 

To stop ad tracking on Facebook, follow these steps:

  1. Ads Personalization

Step 1: Go to your Facebook settings and click on the “Account Center” section.

Go to your Facebook settings

Step 2: Click on the “Ad Preferences” option.

Click on the “Ad Preferences” option

Step 3: Navigate to the Manage Info section and select the "Activity information from ad partners" option.

Navigate to the Manage Info section

Step 4: Enable the second option to prevent Facebook from using your activity on Facebook and partner sites to show you more relevant ads.

Enable the second option to prevent Facebook
  1. Manage Off-Facebook Activity

Step 1: Go to your Facebook settings. 

Go to your Facebook settings

Step 2: Scroll down and click on the “Off-Facebook Activity” option.

click on the “Off-Facebook Activity” option

Step 3: Here, you can see websites and apps that have shared your activity with Facebook. You can clear this history and manage future tracking.

You can clear this history and manage future tracking.
  1. Review App and Website Connections

Navigate to "Apps and Websites" in your settings. Delete any apps or websites that you no longer use or trust.

  1. Browser and Device Settings

Install browser extensions like Privacy Badger or uBlock Origin to block trackers. Adjust your device settings to reduce tracking across apps.

By following these steps, you can improve your privacy while using Facebook. These changes help you stay more secure online by managing which apps and websites have access to your account and adjusting settings on your browser and devices.

These settings can help reduce ad tracking, although complete elimination may not be guaranteed. To enhance your security, consider using PurePrivacy, which offers stronger protection against tracking and data collection.

Completely Block 3000+ Online Hidden Trackers 

PurePrivacy is an app that keeps you private online by blocking trackers on websites and apps. 

Protect your identity

How Does PurePrivacy Work:

Protect PII (Personally Identifiable Information)

Protect your personal information from unauthorized sharing with Pureprivacy's robust data protection features. Ensure that your data remains secure and private online.

Block Third-Party Trackers

Utilize advanced tracker-blocking technology to prevent third-party trackers from monitoring your online activities. Keep your browsing habits private and reduce targeted advertisements.

Get Added Privacy

Enhance your online privacy with Pureprivacy's comprehensive domain and website blocking services. Control which websites can access your information.

Reduce Unnecessary Ads 

Experience uninterrupted browsing by blocking intrusive ads and scripts that track your behavior. Focus on content without distractions while maintaining your privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How does Facebook track my online activity for ad targeting?

    Plus

    Facebook tracks your online activity through website cookies, pixels, and browser fingerprinting. This enables them to create a detailed profile of your interests and behaviors.

  • What are the risks of Facebook ad tracking to my privacy?

    Plus

    Facebook ad tracking can lead to customized ads based on sensitive information like browsing history, demographics, raising concerns about data privacy and security.

  • What steps should I take to minimize ad tracking on Facebook?

    Plus

    To minimize ad tracking on Facebook, avoid clicking on ads, use browser extensions to block trackers, and regularly review. Consider using PurePrivacy that automatically blocks online trackers and provides real-time alerts on potential privacy risks while browsing Facebook.

  • Can third-party apps and advertisers access my Facebook data?

    Plus

    Yes, third-party apps and advertisers can access certain Facebook data if you permit them. This includes profile information, friend’s list, and activity logs.

  • What should I do if I suspect my data has been compromised through Facebook ad tracking?

    Plus

    If you think Facebook ads are compromising your data, check your privacy settings, and use PurePrivacy. It can watch for data breaches and alert you quickly about any privacy issues with Facebook ad tracking.

  • Simplify your online presence today

    With PurePrivacy, make sure all your personal data remains safe without a hassle!

Secure Your Information from Facebook Ad Tracking

Block ad trackers help maintain the confidentiality of your browsing activities and prevent your data from being misused. For enhanced security and more control over your online data, consider using PurePrivacy.