Facebook is one of the largest social networks in the world, with multiple tools to make everyday life easier. But it has always been involved in controversy over the privacy it grants to its users, and after several scandals, each time they add more functionalities to make the application more secure. The new Facebook update allows you to disable the option that Facebook is constantly accessing your location even when it is not active.
Before Facebook accessed your location and it collected data about you even when you weren't actively using its app, to make a location history and be able to recommend things to you about it. Now this has changed.
This is an option that iOS users already enjoyed, but which wasn't implemented on Android, but after the latest update, it has finally been added, and Now we can deactivate it.We'll show you how to do it
How to disable constant location on Facebook
It's very simple to do, we just have to go to the Facebook app settings (the three lines located in the upper right part of the screen, below the Facebook Messenger logo, Facebook's messaging app) and within the options access to Settings and Privacy and then Privacy shortcuts.
Once this is done, we will access a menu with many shortcuts organized by categoriesIt might seem a bit chaotic at first glance, but you'll see that you'll find it right away. In the first section, called Privacy You'll find an option with a very explicit title for what we're looking for: Manage location settings in the third option of this section. Direct to there.
Once inside this option, we will have several like Search Wi-Fi, Suggested places, etc. But there is one that stands out above the others for its size and for being the only one that has a gigantic switch. The option is Location history, so giving a satisfactory tap to that huge button, we will deactivate the option of tracking our location when we are not using the application.
Perhaps at first you think that "Location history" does not have much to do with controlling your location as long as you do not use the apps, if not a simple - as its name says - location history, but it is not like that, if you enter on Request More Information you will see that it informs you that «Facebook periodically adds your exact current location to the "Location History" section, even if you exit the application«
And then you'd have it. disabled.
What do you think I'm glad this option has finally arrived on Android.?
What location data does Facebook actually use and why is it important to control it?
One of the biggest concerns for users of hyper-connected mobile devices is that the constant exposure of sensitive dataInformation such as location data can lead to malicious or excessive use of that information. Apps like Facebook They often track our location continuously to offer services and content based on where we are, show nearby ads, suggest friends, or recommend events. Examples of location history failures have revealed real risks, such as when a manufacturer exposed this type of data on some devices, increasing concerns.
To do this, Facebook may use multiple sources of location information: the precise GPS location of your mobile phone, the WiFi networks around you, the cell towers your device connects to, the data you share with check-ins, location-tagged photos, and also technical data such as your approximate IP addresswhich allows you to estimate which zone you are in even if you have limited other permissions.
Following various controversies regarding privacy, Facebook has been incorporating new control options This allows you to decide whether you want the social network to collect your location in the background or only when you're using the app. However, it's crucial to understand that disabling location history or background access... This does not mean that Facebook will stop knowing anything about your location.: you will still be able to deduce your approximate area through your IP address or your activity within the platform.
Therefore, controlling location settings on Facebook not only helps save battery, but also limit the level of detail with which the social network can profile your daily movements, the places you frequent, or the cities you visit, and then use this information in functions such as Friends Close or ad personalizationIf you want to learn how to manage which apps access your location on Android, there are guides that teach you how to review permissions and limit access.
How to limit what Facebook knows about your location on Android
In addition to the switch Location History As you've already seen, on Android you have more options to reduce how much and how Facebook can track you. The key is to combine the app's internal settings with the location permissions of the Android system itself.
From the Facebook app, the main step is to enter Settings and privacy and access the section of LocationThere you will find options related to history, background location, and specific functions that use your position, such as suggestions for places or WiFi networks.
In modern versions of Android, you can further refine the behavior by going into your phone's settings, to the applications section, selecting Facebook, and looking for the permission to LocationDepending on the exact version of the system, you can choose whether to authorize Facebook to use it. always, only while using the app o You are neverChoosing the option to only use it while the app is open is an effective way to prevent the social network from constantly tracking you in the background.
This way, Facebook's use of your location won't be constant, but will be limited to the times you actually interact with the app. It's worth remembering that if you completely disable location permissions on Android, some features like searching for nearby places, location tagging in photos, or notifications will no longer work. close friends They could stop working or show less accurate results.
Location tracking on Facebook for iOS: key points
Something very similar happens on iOS: you have controls both within the app and in the iPhone settingsFrom the Facebook app, just like on Android, you can access Settings and privacy and locate the section of Location to review the history, decide whether you want it to be logged, and adjust the functions that depend on it.
In Apple's system, fine control is located in Settings > Privacy and security > Location serviceswhere you can search for Facebook and configure whether the app has access to your location You are never, ask next time, when using the app o alwaysSelecting the option to use it only while using the app allows Facebook to function normally when you open it, but prevents it from collecting your location data when it's running in the background.
Within iOS location services, it is also possible to adjust whether you want to share your location. precise or approximate With Facebook, this adds an extra layer of protection. By opting for an approximate location, the social network will know the general area you're in, but not your exact position, which greatly reduces the ability to map your daily movements in detail.
Advertising, background tracking, and the real limits of privacy
Even if you manage location history and app permissions, there's an important aspect to keep in mind: Facebook also uses your location for advertising purposesAnd it doesn't always need GPS for that. Even if you've decided to disable location services on your phone, the platform can deduce your approximate location thanks to the IP address you connect from, the places you check in, or the public data you've added to your profile.
The company itself acknowledges that There is no way to completely disable location tracking for adsPrivacy controls allow you to reduce the accuracy of tracking, prevent the creation of a detailed history of your movements, or limit background location, but they do not prevent Facebook from using the minimum contextual information necessary to show you relevant content and ads based on your general region.
For this reason, many users who want maximum privacy opt for more drastic solutions, such as only accessing the internet from the browser in incognito mode, frequently deleting browsing data, or even uninstall the application from your phone to reduce continuous tracking. Even so, as long as you maintain an active account and use it, there will always be some degree of location information that Facebook can use, even if it's less detailed. In addition, other apps like WhatsApp They are also expanding their use of location services, so it's advisable to review permissions in various applications.
The good news is that, thanks to current controls, by properly adjusting location options, history, and operating system permissions, you can at least prevent the app from constantly recording your location in the background and reduce the level of detail in the movement profile that the platform builds about you.
Carefully managing these settings on Android and iOS, periodically reviewing your location history, and being aware of how your IP address and activity are used within the social network will allow you to continue using Facebook and enjoying its features, but with a greater control over your privacy And with the peace of mind that the app isn't tracking your precise location every moment without your knowledge.