The "Link History" feature allows users to go back
to the websites they visited over the past 30 days. A list will display all the
links the user accessed while browsing the app.
With the line tag "never lose a link again," the
platform promoted the feature as a useful tool for users to have their
"browsing activity saved in one place."
Turning on the "Link History" also means allowing
Facebook to "use your information to improve your ads across Meta
technologies."
The feature is currently available on Android and iOS
devices. Some areas might still not have the feature available as Facebook
introduces it "globally over time."
Meta Continues to Find Way to Collect User Data
Meta, Facebook's parent company, has been tracking all the
sites its users visit. Only this time, users can now see which data the
platform collects from them.
Court documents from legal complaints against Meta have
revealed that it was an "open secret" that the platform
"routinely documented" its users under the age of 13.
The announcement of the "Link History" features
comes after the US Federal Trade Commission pushes for stricter regulations on
social media sites regarding data privacy.
"Link History" is only the latest feature to add
to Meta's data collection procedures being made public.
Meta already allows its users to view their watch, browsing,
and purchase history on the app before as ads become more targeted and
personalized.
How to Turn Off Facebook 'Link History' Feature?
While it is not an apparent solution, Facebook offers its
users the chance to turn off the feature.
To do so, just look for an outgoing link while browsing the
Facebook app and tap it.
Once the link brings you to Facebook's Mobile Browser, click
the option menu on the bottom right and open the Settings.
The "Allow Link History" can be spotted listed
down on the options. Turn that off to "immediately clear your link
history."
According to Meta, turning the feature off will not allow
the platform to "save your link history or use it to improve your ads
across Meta technologies."
It may take up to 90 days before Meta completely deletes all
link history from its users.