With the latest news of Facebook’s controversy with Cambridge Analytica, you might be wondering how you can keep your information safe from exploitation by limiting how other apps linked to your Facebook account can obtain personal information. Be vigilant about the permissions that apps request when you download them and link accounts to ensure you’re only giving access to information you want to share. You can’t change what companies have already collected, but you can prevent it from occurring again in the future by changing a few settings.
Desktop
From your desktop, navigate to the Facebook homepage and click on “App Settings” to see a list of apps that currently have access to your account information. Hover your mouse over a specific app and you’ll see both a pencil and an x icon. The pencil gives you information about what permissions the app has and allows you to modify those permissions. Clicking the x totally removes the app from your profile to eliminate all permissions. You can also edit who can see which apps you use.
Mobile users
Accessing Facebook from the mobile web or through the app requires a different process. Select the three horizontal lines in the right hand corner of the site. Scroll down until you see “Account Settings.” Tap on it. Select “Apps” from within this menu. Select the option for “Logged in with Facebook” to see a list of apps that you’ve given permission to access and use your data. Tap on each app to individually modify its permissions or to delete it entirely from your Facebook account.
Keep in mind that taking an app’s access away from your account doesn’t mean that they will delete any information that they’ve already collected. It has already been stored in their database, and probably won’t have a negative impact, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. The benefit is that you won’t be giving them any new information to use for their future developments.
Take your time when installing apps to carefully read the terms and conditions. Know what information you’re giving to apps and the permissions you’re granting them regarding your account. For more info, visit https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/21/17148726/facebook-developer-data-crackdown-cambridge-analytica.
