🔒Facebook, TikTok and Others: Which Platforms Threaten Your Privacy
Guide to protecting your personal data
🥇 Number 1: Facebook (Meta)
Facebook records not only what you upload, but also the pages you visit, your online purchases, and other online activities. All of this is used to improve its services and show you more targeted ads.
Your personal information is used to display products and services that match your interests.
In 2018, the Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed that the data of 87 million users was used without their consent for political targeting and influencing elections.
Facebook used facial recognition technology for tag suggestions, but in many countries (e.g. EU) it has been restricted due to regulations. Additionally, if your account is “locked”, you may be asked to upload a photo or ID document for identity confirmation.
🥈 Number 2: TikTok
🎵 TikTok
HIGH RISKTikTok is owned by a Chinese company and there are fears that user data may be accessible by the Chinese government. It has been banned from government phones in many countries.
The algorithm keeps users engaged for hours, tracking which videos they like and how they interact, collecting valuable preference data.
🥉 Number 3: Instagram
Instagram was purchased by Facebook in 2012, so a lot of data is shared between the two platforms.
Photos may contain location information (geotags), although these can be removed in settings. It does not automatically detect the location from the background of your photos.
Direct Messages are automatically scanned for spam or terms violations, but are not directly used for targeted advertising.
🏅 Other Problematic Platforms
🐦 Twitter (X)
After the acquisition by Elon Musk, privacy rules changed several times and data may be used for artificial intelligence training.
Most tweets are public and can be seen by anyone. There are services that store content even if you delete it.
📱 Snapchat
Snaps disappear after a while, but are temporarily stored on servers. The recipient can also save them before they disappear.
It reveals your location to friends, but users can turn the feature off or limit it to selected friends.
✅ What Can You Do?
1. Check your privacy settings
Go to the settings of each app and limit who can see your information.
2. Don't give all permissions
Think about whether an app really needs access to your contacts, location, or camera.
3. Read what you accept
The "Terms of Use" say exactly what they will do with your data – it's worth taking a moment to read.
4. Think before you upload
What goes online stays there forever. Avoid sharing personal information.
5. Use alternatives
There are platforms that respect your privacy more, like Signal for messaging or Mastodon instead of Twitter.
🎯 Conclusion
Social media is an integral part of our daily lives, but that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice our privacy. Facebook and TikTok are the worst platforms in terms of privacy, while the rest are not innocent.
The best defense is information and caution. Make the right choices and protect yourself!
🔗 Sources
- The Guardian – Cambridge Analytica and Facebook
- Wikipedia – Facebook (Greek version)
- Wikipedia – Cambridge Analytica scandal
- Naftemporiki – Meta settlement for the scandal
- De-Facto – 8 billion lawsuit against Meta
- IT Security Pro – Timeline and Impact
- European Parliament – Resolution on data protection
Its creator LoveForTechnology.net — an independent and trusted source for tech guides, tools, software, and practical solutions. Each article is based on personal testing, evidence-based research, and care for the average user. Here, technology is presented simply and clearly.
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