Deleting Social Media Like Facebook Due to Privacy

Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 09:22
Last edited 16/05/2018 - 13:39 by 2 other users

Dear Facebook people, it seems a few people are deleting their Facebook accounts because of "privacy".
But this is due to lack of education/research/understanding and it is not your fault.

Let me explain why deleting your Facebook account is useless/too late.

  1. If you have an Android/Google or Apple phone, they already have more info than Facebook (location, phone calls, sms, apps, websites etc).
  2. Your internet service provider, has a record of ALL websites you visited (included those browsed in incognito mode).
  3. Websites gather some of your info when you browse their sites. Screen size, page clicked, how long per page, which page was last you visited, which page you last exited etc
  4. This party apps like "who is your soulmate", "when wil you die", "personality test" and other useless quiz, simply takee your data because YOU allow it to and your curiosity for a generic answer is your fault.
  5. Instagram, Snapchat, Apple, Google, internet provider, Whatsapp, Viber etc.. they ALL RECORD and save your data and use it to improve the service and/or app.
  6. All apps that are free, need to make money somehow, hence the ads and selling your usage data over.
  7. Your government has all your data, medical, taxes, criminal records, all are shared with 3rd party and in other countries (call centres).
  8. Facebook is on the news because they had a data breach (hack) and they failed to notify the users. It happens ALL the time, excep this time, it is all over the news and people freak out.

How can you stop it? if you are reading this, it's too late.
How can you prevent it further? don't have a smartphone, don't use the internet, don't be part of a government.
Good luck :)

Please share and help others understand.
Of course, welcome to let me know if anything I said is incorrect or discuss it further. I am always up to learn and understand other point of views.

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Comments

  • Nugs on 16/05/2018 - 09:31
    +10

    that's a nice top you are wearing

    .

    • Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 09:40
      +1

      blushes

  • kipps on 16/05/2018 - 09:32
    +8

    If you are going to profess to be an expert on internet privacy then you really should know more about what you speak of.

    Your blanket statements to the effect that Android (not an organisation) and Apple having more data than Facebook are demonstrably false.

    • Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 09:40
      +1

      Hence I stated the last line. Welcome to discuss it further and help me and others understand.
      I am not an 'expert on internet privacy' nor want to be, I am raising the topic for discussion and further education.

  • Topdog on 16/05/2018 - 09:57
    +2

    Put down the pipe, they may have data to date, but leaving will stop any further data being retrieved.

    • iDroid on 16/05/2018 - 10:31
      +1

      To be pedantic, it won't stop them, but it will limit what they can get (a little). They can track and mine data from you even if you closed your account or never had one. Facebook (and their ilk) have their tentacles weaved throughout the web, there is no way to escape them unless you're going to go covert on every internet interaction.

      As far as privacy goes, the internet is broken.

      (ignoring VPS, etc, which can mask your actions, but that's no silver bullet for privacy.)

      • Diji1 on 16/05/2018 - 11:44

        there is no way to escape them

        Except blocking access to your computer which is trivially easy to do.

        Other than that though, no escape, you're doomed.

      • Speckled Jim on 17/05/2018 - 08:47

        Script blockers? I banned Facebook and many others years ago.

        • iDroid on 17/05/2018 - 10:22

          Script blockers do help (I use one myself) but so many sites require scripts be enabled - it's not like you can use the web effectively without enabling scripts. It becomes a full time job protecting yourself and is not practical for the average user.

          They also have ways of tracking without scripts - there are so many ways to identify and track a web user.

    • Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 12:08

      definitely

  • try2bhelpful on 16/05/2018 - 10:06
    +8

    There are a lot of problems with things like Facebook, Twitter etc. There is cyberbullying, the celebration of narcicism, the grooming of children, etc. Nowdays things you do can be captured and displayed to the world, without your permission, by anyone who has a camera and a social media outlet.

    You talk about undertaking the quiz and that is their problem; however, read this article.

    https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/17/cambridge-analy…

    Not only did Cambridge-analytica harvest the information of the facebook users but also their friends data; the original test was marketed as being for "Academic Use". Were the people who took the test "gullible", probably, but they did not agree to the data being used for what it was and, certainly, their friends were innocent victims.

    The worst part is just how laissez faire Facebook's attitude was until the issue blew up in the news, then they coupled a weak "we will look into it" with threats to prosecute the people who were raising the issues. Make no mistake Facebook is a big business that is making money of its product, and the product is the people who post on Facebook.

    I have a Facebook account, but it is a fake one. It has nothing to do with who I actually am. I have it because some things require you to have a Facebook account to use them. The amount of information people are willing to put online is frightening, particularly people who are willing to put pictures of their kids online for the world to see. Then you have the "we are going to be on holiday for the next two weeks" boasting so the burglars know you are out.

    You can put up all the privacy filters you want on these platforms but don't think your data isn't being funnelled to a large number of groups; many of which you would probably not touch with a barge pole if you knew what they were doing.

    • Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 12:09
      +1

      Love this point of view

  • [Deactivated] on 16/05/2018 - 10:10
    +8

    I find the same people who are constantly on about privacy are the same ones who freely surrender it.

    • Cheapascents on 16/05/2018 - 11:01

      nothing more truer

    • Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 12:10

      Correct!

      I am hoping users educate further and bring awareness into it.

  • dazweeja on 16/05/2018 - 10:48
    +4

    I find the fact that Google makes all it's money from advertising reassuring. That is the reason why they have never sold your personal data to third parties and probably never will - because their entire business model relies on selling the ability to target certain demographics/interests. If this information was available from third parties, their primary product is diminished and their revenue would suffer.

    Facebook, Snapchat, etc - well, their revenue comes from all over the place, they're far less open about the data they gather, and my trust is less.

    I do think Apple are reasonably trustworthy too, mainly because their brand/reputation is such a big part of their value proposition that they wouldn't dare tarnish it.

    • Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 13:09
      +1

      pretty much.

      There was one going around for a bit where Google keeps records of your travels using Google Maps and GPS.
      That annoyed me for a bit where users accepted for this feature to be activated when they first set up the device and google Maps, then want to use Google Maps but not help to give data for traffic.

      I don't care if my movements are recorded, if anything it helps me to have evidence (if I ever need it) that I was somewhere.

      • carlJack on 16/05/2018 - 15:22
        +1

        Thats precisely the reason I like google location history. It has been useful quite a few times over the years.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/05/2018 - 09:39

      Yes Google is so reliable and trustworthy.
      Maybe have a read of this:
      http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/security/google-dat…

      • dazweeja on 17/05/2018 - 11:58
        +1

        Can you tell me just how thick someone would need to be not to know that Location Services was enabled? How do they think that Google Maps works? And of course, a little icon appears in the notification bar whenever Location Services is in use which on my phone is many, many times each day. Yep, this is really secretive stuff.

        And that article is a bit misleading - you have the choice to turn location services on or off when setting up your phone. It's a pretty clear screen with lots of helpful descriptions. See bottom of step 4 here: https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-set-up-an-android-smartpho…

        And it's also not like Google provides a feature to see all the places that you've been and delete it if you wish: https://maps.google.com/locationhistory/b/0

        And it's not like Google provides the option to opt-out whenever you choose.

        Evil bastards!

  • Ryanek on 16/05/2018 - 10:53
    +5

    You can't expect to live in a modern world and all the conveniences it brings, and not give up some information.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/05/2018 - 13:17

      Do you work for ASIO?

      • Ryanek on 18/05/2018 - 13:59

        I think it's pretty cool my phone knows I've just finished work and determines if there are any traffic/incidents and will automatically route me a best way to get home.

        Once I'm home, my automation kicks in, sets the mood and turns on my lights.

        Alexa might then suggest some music to play based on my listening history.

        I might not feel like cooking so I'll order online, choosing a restaurant based on other peoples reviews.

        While I wait, I'll open Netflix and play a movie/tv show that they they've determined might appeal to me.

        Or you know, you could live in the bush off the grid and enjoy your top secret privacy.

  • giventofly on 16/05/2018 - 12:35

    I deleted mine on principal and because I found Facebook to be more annoying.

    You can't profess to have privacy settings and then give app developers access to your 'private' accounts.

    Also, OP, do you own any Xiaomi Smart Products?

    • Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 13:16
      +2

      Yeah Facebook became really annoying with posts and friends posting bs.
      Then I changed it, I liked pages that were informative like sciencealert and got rid of horrible ones like Unilad.
      I then set friends posts to be hidden all the time, like ones where they update about their chicken they have or take food photos or baby pictures on a daily post.
      You know the "happy 51st day my baby, love you so much"
      or the couples "I am so luck to have my boyfriend, happy 2 months anniversary"
      Allll gone. Still friends, but I don't see any of it.
      After a few days, I filtered and now the news feed is good.

      No Xiaomi products, they have a good range and they have come a long way, why do you ask?

      • giventofly on 16/05/2018 - 14:22

        I ask because Xiaomi's Mi Home apps are incredibly invasive with their Permissions. Anyone conscience of their privacy wouldn't purchase/use that app.

        • Hybroid on 16/05/2018 - 14:25
          +1

          Xiaomi have been known to send users data back to China (permissions or not!) and the Chinese govt are very active in digital spying and collating data. I wouldn't buy a Xiaomi product no matter what happens. Not worth it.

        • carlJack on 16/05/2018 - 15:23

          @Hybroid: any evidence of this?

        • Hybroid on 16/05/2018 - 15:36

          @carlJack: Sure.

          Security Researchers from F-Secure Antivirus firm has shown that the Xiaomi phones (RedMi 1S handset) send quite a lot of personal and sensitive data to "api.account.xiaomi.com" server located in China, including following information:

          • IMEI Number of your phone
          • IMSI Number (through MI Cloud)
          • Your contacts and their details
          • Text Messages

          https://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00002731.html

          https://www.quora.com/Do-Xiaomi-phones-really-spy-on-our-dat…

          https://www.thequint.com/tech-and-auto/tech-news/do-you-real…

          The Indian Air Force (IAF) — among the largest in the world — warned its employees and their belongings that their private information was being shipped over to servers in China, and asked them to avoid using Xiaomi smartphones due to security risk.

          https://thehackernews.com/2014/10/xiaomi-data-breach-hacker.…

          http://www.financetwitter.com/2014/07/here-is-how-xiaomi-sec…

          There's countless webpages online over the years. Who knows what the real extent of the data stealing is but people keep buying since it's 'cheap'. Yea, for a reason.

        • Gandalf the Thrifty on 16/05/2018 - 17:32
          -1

          @Hybroid: I knew all those $1 xiaomi usb fans and lights, still sitting in their packets, were spying on me! /s

        • Hybroid on 16/05/2018 - 17:35

          @Gandalf the Thrifty: While it's highly unlikely, it's not actually impossible to have embedded call-home chips behind the USB. More than likely though is creating brand awareness and 'trust' so you don't think twice about picking up one of their phones or laptops or a connected camera or wifi doorbell or speaker or whatever that really does phone home with your data…

        • Elias11 on 18/05/2018 - 07:34

          Interesting, I nearly ended up with a Xiaomi phone.
          It all depends what "data" is being sent back.
          Personal or usage data.

          If it's usage data, this is fine with me, the devs need feedback on how to improve the system.
          If it's personal data, well yeah nah.

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 16/05/2018 - 12:52
    1. If you have an Android/Google or Apple phone, they already have more info than Facebook (location, phone calls, sms, apps, websites etc).

    True. But you can lock down android a little by turning off location history and search results. By not installing Facebook on your phone you do not give the company access to all of the above.

    1. Your internet service provider, has a record of ALL websites you visited (included those browsed in incognito mode).

    Not if you use a VPN constantly.

    1. Websites gather some of your info when you browse their sites. Screen size, page clicked, how long per page, which page was last you visited, which page you last exited etc

    Extensions like ublock, https everywhere, decentraleyes etc help with these things. You can also use doileak.com to see what websites see about you. I clear my cookies on every browser close.

    1. This party apps like "who is your soulmate", "when wil you die", "personality test" and other useless quiz, simply takee your data because YOU allow it to and your curiosity for a generic answer is your fault.

    Don't use them.

    1. Instagram, Snapchat, Apple, Google, internet provider, Whatsapp, Viber etc.. they ALL RECORD and save your data and use it to improve the service and/or app.

    Isn't this the same as #1?

    1. All apps that are free, need to make money somehow, hence the ads and selling your usage data over.

    Yes. So - be conscious of what you are using.

    1. Your government has all your data, medical, taxes, criminal records, all are shared with 3rd party and in other countries (call centres).

    True and MyGov is a bit of a worry.. But what is the alternative?

    1. Facebook is on the news because they had a data breach (hack) and they failed to notify the users. It happens ALL the time, excep this time, it is all over the news and people freak out.

    Facebook is unprecedented. There has never been a single organisation that has held so much data on so many individuals before. Facebook is, literally, on of a kind in this regard. Therefore, when data breaches happen people are concerned.

    I deleted facebook a long time ago. I do not regret it. Aside from the privacy aspect, it was a huge waste of time. I can safely say, I am social media free now. Which leaves me more time to poor into Ozbargain.

    • Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 13:20

      Great proposals/suggestions!

      I do everything you listed, except closing the FB account.
      But I have limited it and I am conscious what I post/input.

      With myGov, as you said, we really don't have a choice.
      At the same time, I don't really care if anyone has my medical records or tax details. But that's me, others might think otherwise.

      I appreciate your reply, this is exactly what I was hoping we discuss amongst other topics.

    • Speckled Jim on 17/05/2018 - 08:59

      poor thanks to Ozbargain

      FTFY

  • EightImmortals on 16/05/2018 - 13:00
    +1

    Maybe the blockchain has a solution to all of this?
    I am not an expert on it by any means but there are projects like ECC for example and probably others that are at least working on private anonymous messaging. I'd assume there would be a crowd or two doing the same thing with social media?

    (edit: ta-da! https://hackernoon.com/6-social-media-powered-by-blockchain-… )

    • Elias11 on 16/05/2018 - 13:05

      That would be an interest approach.
      I was not aware of this, thank you for pointing it out.
      I'll read further into it.

    • dcep on 16/05/2018 - 13:43
      +1

      i understand the messaging part being anon

      but whole point of social media part is for attention whoring

      we all want to be famous yo!

  • dcep on 16/05/2018 - 13:46
    +2

    don't worry, apple will release revolutionary applebook social app with zero data collection / privacy breach

    subscription at $99 per month

    • Elias11 on 18/05/2018 - 07:35

      that's cheap!
      They should make it $399 as they know people will pay.

  • CyberMurning on 16/05/2018 - 14:09
    +2

    me too i will delete my account soon. all my friends post are photos of their babies so boring

  • [Deactivated] on 16/05/2018 - 14:57
    +1

    Tinder is the worst offender of all the social media.

    You can request your data, you just need to tell them your an EU citizen.

    If they try to ask you for more information, just tell them you don't want to give out too much personal information.

    Bobs your uncle; you'll get some large pdf file of all the data they have on you.

    Facebook actually didn't retain much on me, but then again I only use it to play games and do cloud save.

  • ShannonN on 16/05/2018 - 19:21
    +1

    Hey all
    Just wondering what OzB gathers? Buying habits? trends towards certain products/categories etc Hey Scotty jump in anytime :)

  • Micko179 on 17/05/2018 - 09:02
    +1

    Yeah Nah… I have this other thing that I prefer to use. REAL LIFE!!! Never had Fcbook, or any of that other crap for that matter but can someone please tell me why I'm constantly being bombarded by LBFM ads?! 😂

  • neomathew on 17/05/2018 - 13:00
    +1

    Would like to add few more things to the list:

    1. Use plugins on your browser to block ads ( i use adblock, but there may be better ones out there)

    2. Avoid using your real name on the email address ( use emails that are not related to your primary email)

    3. If you are a app developer or app owner. Don't save user information that you don't need.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/05/2018 - 13:28
    +1

    Last week I was asked by a company that I am dealing with to send them an e mail with some information, which I did.
    Over the next two days 15 'receipts' dropped into my inbox, each from a different employee of this company, right up to regional director level.
    All had their full [email protected].
    Facebook, LinkedIn etc. gave me enough details to build a reasonable picture of these people, where they lived, who their partners and mates were and where they spent their spare time. There were also pictures of them driving their cars, regos clearly seen. I know what bands they listen to, what movies and TV programs they watch and what their favourite drinks are.
    If you haven't done it, try Googling your name, e mail phone number and rego. and see what you find.

  • myusername on 02/06/2018 - 14:51

    this is 1984…….

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