How to Minimize Facebook Ads That Track You
To serve advertisers better, Facebook developed an advanced system of tracking user behavior to provide ads specific to the users’ interests. The system monitors your profile information and your behavior on Facebook and elsewhere. Many people find this kind of tracking and targeted advertising to be a privacy concern, while some appreciate seeing targeted ads instead of random ads. Here’s how to change, restrict, manage, and deny ad permissions on Facebook.
How Targeted Facebook Ads Work
Facebook sponsored ads are so relevant to user interests and behaviors that many Facebook users think Facebook is eavesdropping on conversations. The reality isn’t quite that sinister. Facebook uses all information it can gather about you to show you more relevant sponsored advertising.
Personal Information Facebook Gathers
LocationAge and genderWhere you’ve worked or gone to schoolYour family members and relationshipsAny other details in your profile
Promises Facebook Makes to Advertisers
Targeted advertising doesn’t stop with your profile. When Facebook sells ads to advertisers, they promise advertisers that Facebook users can be targeted based on:
Ads you click onPages and groups you engage withHow you use your device and your “travel preferences"The type of mobile device you use and your internet connection speed
All of this information leads to very accurate and relevant sponsored advertising.
