Facebook users are being warned to check their settings over a new pop-up which requests their ‘link history’.
For companies like Meta - who own Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp - it's important to accumulate as much data as possible to help improve its targeted advertising, which is where most of its revenue comes from.
That's why the tech giant wants to know what you are interested in clicking on, so it can continue to provide you with ads that are 'tailored to your needs'.
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So, in terms of the what you need to look for, you might have received the in-app notification about the feature.
It reads: “Easily get back to recent links you’ve visited with your Facebook browsing activity now saved in one place.”
And according to Meta: "Link history is a list of websites you’ve visited on Facebook Mobile Browser in the last 30 days."
It notes that 'you can choose to turn link history on or off at any time'.
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However, when link history is on, 'any links you’ve tapped inside of Facebook and visited in Facebook’s Mobile Browser will be saved here for 30 days'.
"Links visited in chats on Messenger are not saved to link history," the company adds.
"Keep in mind that when link history is on, we may use link history information from Facebook’s Mobile Browser to improve your ads across Meta technologies."
How to turn your link history in Facebook on or off:
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1) Tap any link inside the Facebook app to open Facebook’s Mobile Browser.
2) Tap the three dots in the bottom right, then tap Go to Settings.
3) To turn link history on, tap the icon next to Allow link history, then tap Allow to confirm.
4) To turn link history off, tap the icon next to Allow link history, then tap Don’t allow to confirm. Note: When you turn link history off, we will immediately clear your link history, and you will no longer be able to see any links you’ve visited. Additionally, Facebook will not save your link history or use it to improve your ads across Meta technologies.
When you turn link history off, it may take Meta up to 90 days to complete the deletion process.
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LADbible has contacted Meta for comment.
Now, a common concern among Facebook users is how to check if a link you're viewing from the platform is secure.
Facebook explains that the link will be secure if 'the name or URL at the top of the page next to a green lock'.
"You'll have a secure connection between your device and the website you're visiting," it says.
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"This means Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology is encrypting your connection to protect any sensitive information you may enter on the screen, such as your password and credit card numbers."
Topics: Facebook, Social Media, Technology
Anish Vij