Qotd

In recent years the amount our online activities are monitored have taken center stage. From government surveillance to mass data collection and usage by top tech firms, our online activities have never been more closely monitored. Going ‘incognito’ doesn’t quite cut it…

Some are happy to concede a certain level of intrusion in the name of say ‘national security.’ But while companies, like Facebook, may argue that data collection can help streamline their service, to many it feels like an unnecessary additional intrusion.

The fact is, that it can be uncomfortable to know you are constantly being tracked. If you use Facebook’s Nearby Friends feature then that’s exactly what’s happening; you are being tracked, daily.

Once you’ve enabled the feature Facebook can track and monitor your location by default. Not exactly what you signed up for.

The feature will produce highly detailed and efficient movement maps on a daily basis if it’s not turned off. While the maps are only visible to you, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that your account may become compromised and your routine/movements left open for all to see.

An unsavoury thought, but here’s how to stop such events transpiring. It’s incredibly easy to do and in an age where the majority of people don’t take their online security seriously enough it is a step I would recommend taking.

Open the Facebook App -> Click ‘More’ -> Click ‘Account Settings’ -> Click ‘Location’ -> Turn off ‘Location History’

Don’t worry, this will only turn off the recording of your movements and allow you to still ‘check-in’ at the places you’re happy for all to know you’re at!

If however, you want to be completely reassured and rest safe in the knowledge that Facebook will never again track your location without your knowledge then you should turn off ‘Location Services’ altogether.

To do this:

Access the ‘Settings’ app -> Click ‘Privacy’ -> Click ‘Location Services’ -> Turn it off

There you have it. How to make sure Facebook doesn’t track your movements, unfortunately we can’t offer a How To on stopping the government too…