Facebook has been killed by one of the worst data leak scandals, though the social media platform says there is no technological violation. The data analytics firm Cambridge Analycia allegedly abused the Facebook website to get personal Facebook details of nearly 50 million FB users from academic researcher Alexander Kogan with its affiliated research firm Strategic Communication Laboratories.
But the big question is how did the company do this? How did you get this data? The answer is all those cute animal quizzes and random personality tests that you take on Facebook. Yes, it's using the API-Third Party app that played arms for the company to get personal details for the company.
The data was collected through an app called "Axior Digital". Like any other app on FB, she asked for permission to access some Facebook details during the installation. App developer Alexander Kogan not only removed the user's description but also the data of those who installed the app was friends with them. This description was used to create an algorithm which helped Trump win the election.
It all looks scary. This scam is a reminder that our personal details on Facebook are not secure. Details can be easily misused for some other good reasons. So what do you do? Removing your Facebook account is an option but not everyone can do it. Many people use Facebook to stay connected or at least keep in touch with their old friends. There are some quick and easy steps to limit sharing of data with Facebook. These will ensure better security of your personal details shared on Facebook. Just look:
1. Say Good Bye To Third Party Applications.
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| Third Party Applications |
You are one of those Facebook users who has enjoyed random quizzes and tests on Facebook in their spare time, this is for you. stop doing that. Using these API-third-party apps, you want access to some of your personal Facebook details to give results.
To prevent unintentionally giving all your personal details on Facebook, go to the Apps section on your Facebook page. At the top, you will see a list of all the apps used so far. Scroll down to find apps, websites, and plugins on your page, click Edit all third-party applications and close. If you have allowed apps like Gobibo and bookshop, you should go to the full list of applications and select different apps to delete it.
2. Switch Off Your Location Services:
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| Switch off your Location services |
Location data is the easiest way to get your many other personal data. To lock it or limit access to Facebook, go to Account Settings> Location> Toggle Facebook Access.
3. Limit Your Post Sharing Settings:
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| Limit your post sharing settings |
This is the next important thing that you should fix on Facebook ASAP Settings> Privacy> Change 'Who can see the post of your future?' Go to 'Friends' only. You can restrict your last post to friends only. This will limit all your previous Facebook posts to friends only.
4. Review Taggings And Limit Them:
Under Privacy, you will find the "Timeline and Tagging" option. It controls who can post on your timeline. Restrict the option only to me and more friends. Also, make sure to turn on the settings to review the tags you add to your posting and post those that you have tagged before appearing on your timeline.5. Say No To Facebook Face Recognition:
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| Facebook Face recognition |
Yes, such settings are also available on Facebook. Under Privacy Settings hidden among a set of options, you will get an option that reads face recognition. Click on it. "To identify whether you are in a photo or video, our system compares its profile picture and the photo and video you tagged. This tells us when you are in other photos and videos so that we Can Make Better Experience, "Facebook gives this message. Straight Head 'Do you want Facebook to be able to recognize you in photos and videos?' Select number
6. Delete Or Limit Your Personal Information:
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| Personal Information |
The last step is to edit the About section about me. This is to limit your data sharing with Facebook. To do this, click on the question mark icon on the right corner of the page. Select Privacy Check. You can delete or hide all your data from here.
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