The way we communicate has been changed dramatically due to increased adoption of social media. This convenience is not free. It comes at a cost of our data. Social media users are often not aware of extensive data collection practices of social media platforms. These companies constantly gather information on the users. Sometimes this information includes data a user might not want to share.
Social media companies collect various kinds of data that can be categorized into user provided information, generated data and third-party data. Let’s look at different types of information collected by Meta (Facebook, Instagram), X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat.
Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
User Provided Data
– Content shared (posts, messages, comments, and account details)
– Location (e.g., when taking a photo using the in-app camera)
– Sensitive data: religious views, political beliefs, relationship status, and health history
– Transaction information: purchases made on Meta’s platforms
– Payment details: card numbers, billing, and shipping information
Device Data
– System attributes: OS, hardware details, software version, battery level, and storage space
– Device operation: interaction with apps and behaviors on the device
– Cookie data: stored cookies, unique identifiers, and site tracking
X (formerly Twitter)
User Provided Data
– Personal and professional account details
– Payment information (for subscriptions and ad purchases)
– Biometric data (used for identity verification and security)
– Job applications (employment history, education, skills, and job search activity)
Usage Data
– Posts, interactions, private messages, and purchases
– Device information (IP address, language settings, and location)
– Log data (search history, ad engagement, external link interactions)
Third Party Data
– Advertising and business partners use demographic and interest data for targeted ads
Snapchat
User Provided Data
– Account details (name, email, birthday, phone number, profile picture, Bitmoji)
– Transaction and purchase details (credit card information, billing and shipping addresses)
-Content shared (Snaps, chats, and Stories)
Generated Data
– Usage data (filters used, Story views, friend interactions)
– Content metadata (Snap timestamps, engagement data)
– Device data (motion sensors, microphone usage, IP address, software version)
– Cookies and log data (tracking interactions and targeted advertising IDs)
Tech giants like Meta, Google, and TikTok have been accused of sharing vast amounts of user data with third-party companies. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), social media tracking practices resemble a “vast surveillance network” that extends beyond the platform itself. Some companies even analyze user behavior to predict personal habits and preferences often without consent. Social media platforms are frequent targets for data breaches creating a risk of data leaks. These risks should be kept in mind when interacting on social media platforms. Giving out various types of data points to social media companies can lead to potential risks.
References:
https://values.snap.com/privacy/privacy-policy
https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/update/printable
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/1910134amazonecommercecomplaintrevisedredactions.pdf
