Facebook is even tracking users that have never created an account, according to details admitted by top executives at the company. And, that tracking starts after just one visit to any part of facebook.com.
USA Today engaged in a detailed series of interviews with several top-ranking Facebook users, and discovered a cookie-and-tracking complex that shifts depending on the type of user involved. That includes the roughly 800 million registered users, even while logged-out.
Basically, you are being watched by millions of networked eyes. In the case of both logged-out users and non-members, callbacks to Facebook happen through endless Like buttons and connected apps, a structure that gives Facebook an immense amount of data on sites visited, browsers and systems used, even screen resolutions.
Removing these cookies is complicated, and a cookie-free experience is probably impossible at this stage. Facebook indicated that the tracking information is kept for 90 days, perhaps a crumb of comfort. But an earlier, separate investigation found the presence of 6 different Facebook cookies, probably with varying timeframes attached.
Facebook is defending the heavy tracking by pointing to protections against spammers and phishers. Constant monitoring and maintenance of Like buttons and usage is also another plus, according to Facebook, though most users have no idea how thoroughly they are being tracked.
And do they care? The FCC is certainly digging further into this one, as are members of Congress. In fact, Facebook recently forged an agreement with federal regulators to notify users of any changes to user terms, though legislators may push for greater levels of disclosure and privacy control.
USA Today engaged in a detailed series of interviews with several top-ranking Facebook users, and discovered a cookie-and-tracking complex that shifts depending on the type of user involved. That includes the roughly 800 million registered users, even while logged-out.
Basically, you are being watched by millions of networked eyes. In the case of both logged-out users and non-members, callbacks to Facebook happen through endless Like buttons and connected apps, a structure that gives Facebook an immense amount of data on sites visited, browsers and systems used, even screen resolutions.
Removing these cookies is complicated, and a cookie-free experience is probably impossible at this stage. Facebook indicated that the tracking information is kept for 90 days, perhaps a crumb of comfort. But an earlier, separate investigation found the presence of 6 different Facebook cookies, probably with varying timeframes attached.
Facebook is defending the heavy tracking by pointing to protections against spammers and phishers. Constant monitoring and maintenance of Like buttons and usage is also another plus, according to Facebook, though most users have no idea how thoroughly they are being tracked.
And do they care? The FCC is certainly digging further into this one, as are members of Congress. In fact, Facebook recently forged an agreement with federal regulators to notify users of any changes to user terms, though legislators may push for greater levels of disclosure and privacy control.
