I’m a big advocate for data privacy and I left Facebook many years ago without feeling the need to go back. However, there’s several local groups and a couple of local businesses that specifically communicate via Facebook that I’d like to interact with.
This presents a problem - I have to use the platform to interact with these people but I don’t want to use the platform. So how do I keep my data safe from Zucks greedy hands? So far I’m thinking:
- use a throwaway email or email that is specifically for fb
- only access via Firefox inprivate browser and use addons to clean cookies after every session
- utilise ad blockers in said browser
- set fb privacy settings accordingly to opt out of ad personalisation, othrr site fb logins etc
- potentially only access via VPN but that might be cumbersome
- maybe do all of this via android work profile but not sure if that’s much benefit
Anything else I can do to remain reasonably safe?
Facebook has ghost profiles of non Facebook users because of tracking embedded in “like” buttons on websites. If you wanted to go full paranoid I would suggest using an extension to change your user agent. But it is probably worth identifying the specific threat vectors you are concerned about.
i’d probably opt for a cheap android tablet that’s only used for fb, nothing else.
and in ‘full paranoid’ mode, i’d also avoid using my own home or work wifi with it, too. the library’s public hotspot is convenient enough to both locations.
This.
Probably the best strategy to minimise risk from data pilfering.