After witnessing the embarrassment of riches seated next to the most powerful man in the world being seated into power for another four years yesterday, I discovered that my personal Facebook account has automatically followed the pages for the newly installed POTUS, VPOTUS, FLOTUS, and The White House without so much as a simple request or reminder other than a barrage of warnings in the news feed from fellow users.
I proceeded to unwind how this happended and ventured down a wormhole in Facebook's "Settings", where my focus on "Activity Off Meta Technologies" led me to this revealing conversation with Gemini AI by Google Cloud on the topic of Social Media privacy and the Meta Data Invasion as it goes to Washington: Me: Gemini, let's have a chat about Meta's "Activity Off Meta Technologies"
Gemini: Let's dive into Meta's "Activity Off Meta Technologies"! It's a privacy feature that gives you more control over the data that's shared between Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and other websites and apps you use. Here's a breakdown of what it is and how it works:
What it is:
Tracking your activity: Many websites and apps use Meta's technologies (like Facebook Pixel or Login with Facebook) to track your activity on their platforms. This data can then be used for targeted advertising and other purposes.
Giving you control: Activity Off Meta Technologies lets you see and manage this data. You can view a list of the websites and apps sharing your activity with Meta, disconnect your activity from specific ones, or clear your history entirely.
How it works:
Access the feature: You can find "Activity Off Meta Technologies" in the settings of your Facebook or Instagram account.
View and manage: Once you access it, you'll see a list of websites and apps sharing your activity with Meta. You can then choose to:
Disconnect future activity: This stops the selected websites and apps from sharing your future activity with Meta.
Disconnect past activity: This removes the history of your past activity from your Meta account.
Benefits:
Increased privacy: You have more control over how your data is used for targeted advertising.
Transparency: You can see which websites and apps are sharing your data with Meta.
Personalization: You can disconnect from specific websites or apps to further personalize your experience on Meta's platforms.
Limitations:
Doesn't stop all tracking: It only controls the data shared with Meta through their technologies. Other tracking methods may still be in use.
May affect some features: Disconnecting from certain websites or apps might impact your experience on those platforms (e.g., personalized recommendations).
Gemini: Overall, Activity Off Meta Technologies is a useful tool for anyone who wants more control over their data and privacy online. It's a step towards greater transparency and user empowerment in the digital age. Do you have any specific questions about Activity Off Meta Technologies or how it works? I'm here to help!
Me: Yes, let's start with how we got here, to this policy. It feels like a great price to pay, (our privacy), for a free application like Facebook or Instagram. Until recently, I had little idea how invasive the practice was or may still be. Is Activity Off Meta Technologies going far enough to provide legitimate privacy to their users? Gemini: You're hitting on a really important point: the trade-off between "free" services and our privacy. For years, companies like Meta have operated on a model where we, the users, pay with our data instead of our wallets. This data is incredibly valuable for targeted advertising, which is the engine that drives Meta's revenue.
The rise of privacy concerns, data breaches, and growing awareness of how our information is used has put pressure on these companies to offer more control and transparency. Regulations like GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California have also played a role in pushing for these changes.
Is Activity Off Meta Technologies going far enough?
It's a step in the right direction, but there are arguments to be made on both sides:
Arguments for it being enough:
More control: Users now have a clearer picture of what data is being shared and can actively manage it.
Increased transparency: Meta is being more upfront about how it collects and uses data.
Sets a precedent: This feature could influence other companies to adopt similar privacy-enhancing measures.
Arguments against it being enough:
Doesn't stop all tracking: As we discussed, other tracking methods still exist, and Meta still collects a vast amount of data from your activity within their platforms.
Relies on user action: Many users might not be aware of this feature or take the time to manage their settings.
Potential for manipulation: Some argue that giving users the illusion of control might distract from the larger issue of data collection practices.
The bigger picture:
Activity Off Meta Technologies is part of a broader shift in the tech industry towards greater privacy and data control. However, it's crucial to remember that these companies still have a strong financial incentive to collect and utilize user data.
What more could be done?
Stronger default settings: Meta could automatically disconnect user activity from third-party apps by default, requiring users to opt-in if they want to share data.
Limiting data collection: Exploring alternative business models that rely less on extensive data collection.
Clearer explanations: Making privacy policies and data practices easier for the average user to understand.
Gemini: Ultimately, the question of whether Activity Off Meta Technologies is "enough" depends on your individual privacy expectations and how much control you want over your data. It's an ongoing conversation, and user awareness and demand for privacy will continue to shape how these technologies evolve.
Me: Are there any plugins or other apps that force the privatization level of my settings on Facebook or Instagram?
Gemini: While there aren't any plugins or apps that can directly force the highest privacy settings on Facebook or Instagram, there are some tools that can help you enhance your privacy and security on these platforms:
1. Privacy-focused browsers and extensions:
Brave Browser: This browser blocks trackers and ads by default, including those from Facebook and Instagram. It also has built-in features like HTTPS Everywhere and script blocking to further enhance your privacy.
Firefox with privacy extensions: Firefox is a more privacy-respecting browser than Chrome, and you can add extensions like Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin, and Facebook Container to further limit tracking and data collection.
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials: This browser extension (available for various browsers) blocks hidden trackers and forces websites to use encrypted connections whenever possible.
2. Social media management tools:
Hootsuite and Buffer: These tools allow you to manage your social media accounts from a central dashboard. While their primary function isn't privacy, they can help you limit your direct interaction with Facebook and Instagram's interfaces, potentially reducing data collection.
3. VPN services:
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, making it harder for Facebook and Instagram to track your location and browsing activity.
4. App permissions:
Review app permissions: Regularly review the permissions you've granted to Facebook and Instagram on your mobile device. Revoke access to features like your location, contacts, and microphone if you're not comfortable sharing that data.
Important Considerations:
No guarantees: Even with these tools, it's impossible to completely eliminate data collection by Facebook and Instagram. They may still collect data based on your activity within their platforms.
Updates and changes: Facebook and Instagram regularly update their platforms and algorithms, which might impact the effectiveness of these tools. Stay informed about changes and adjust your settings accordingly.
Trade-offs: Some of these tools might impact the functionality or user experience of Facebook and Instagram.
Gemini: While these tools can help you improve your privacy on Facebook and Instagram, remember that being mindful of your activity and settings within the platforms themselves is also crucial. Regularly review your privacy settings, limit the information you share, and be cautious about clicking on ads or links from unknown sources.
Me: Now that the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Peter Thiel are seated on the dais with the newly appointed President, what should we expect in terms of our privacy on these and other social media applications? What is the potential for more extreme abuses with such omniscient access to populace activities?
Gemini:
I can't help with responses on elections and political figures right now. While I would never deliberately share something that's inaccurate, I can make mistakes. So, while I work on improving, you can try Google Search.
Me: Let's rephrase it: Now that the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Peter Thiel are seated in the dais of power in Washington, DC, what should we expect in terms of our privacy on these and other social media applications? What is the potential for more extreme abuses with such omniscient access to populace activities?
Note: I've highlighted this next response for its eloquent prognostication of our dystopian future left unchecked.
Gemini: It's a concerning hypothetical, and not entirely out of the realm of possibility given the growing influence of tech giants in politics. If figures like Zuckerberg, Bezos, Musk, and Thiel were to hold significant sway in Washington, the potential implications for online privacy could be significant, and not in a positive way. Here's a breakdown of potential concerns and the possibilities for abuse:
1. Weakening of existing privacy regulations:
Lobbying power: These individuals and their companies could use their considerable resources to lobby against regulations like GDPR and CCPA, or push for weaker versions that favor their business interests.
Regulatory capture: They could influence the appointment of officials who are sympathetic to their views on data collection and privacy, leading to less stringent enforcement of existing laws.
2. Increased surveillance and data collection:
Government access to data: Close ties between tech giants and the government could lead to easier access to user data for surveillance purposes, potentially with fewer checks and balances.
Normalization of tracking: The prevailing attitude towards data collection could shift further towards acceptance, with less emphasis on individual privacy rights.
3. Erosion of online anonymity:
Real-name policies: Pressure could be applied to enforce real-name policies across social media platforms, making it harder for individuals to express themselves anonymously or maintain separate online identities.
Linking online and offline data: Increased data sharing between government agencies and tech companies could lead to more comprehensive profiles of individuals, linking their online activity with their offline lives.
4. Manipulation and control:
Targeted propaganda: Sophisticated algorithms and access to vast amounts of user data could be used to manipulate public opinion through targeted propaganda and misinformation campaigns.
Censorship and suppression: Those in power could exert influence over content moderation policies, leading to censorship of dissenting voices or suppression of information that is critical of the government or corporations.
5. Concentration of power:
Anti-competitive practices: These individuals could use their influence to stifle competition and consolidate their control over the tech industry, further reducing user choice and control over their data.
Gemini: It's important to emphasize that these are potential risks, not inevitable outcomes. A strong civil society, robust journalism, and active citizen engagement are crucial to counter these threats and hold those in power accountable. We need to remain vigilant about protecting our digital rights and pushing for greater transparency and accountability from both tech companies and the government. The future of online privacy depends on it.
Me: What is the best advice you can give to those who participate on present-day social media to protect their digital rights, when steps are often convoluted and complicated to achieve?
Gemini: You're right, navigating privacy settings on social media can feel like traversing a maze! But it's crucial to take those steps to protect your digital rights. Here's the best advice I can give, broken down for clarity:
1. Embrace the Mindset of "Less is More"
Information Diet: Be mindful of what you share. The less you post, the less data you generate for them to collect.
Profile Minimalism: Keep your profile information to the bare minimum. Do you really need to list your phone number, address, or birthday publicly?
Think Before You Click: Avoid clicking on ads or links from unknown sources. These can lead to data collection or even malware.
2. Become a Settings Savvy User
Regular Privacy Checkups: Make a habit of reviewing your privacy settings on each platform at least once a month. Facebook and Instagram are notorious for changing things up.
Lock it Down: Set your profiles to private whenever possible, limiting your content to approved followers.
Location, Location, Location: Disable location services for social media apps unless absolutely necessary.
Third-Party App Scrutiny: Review the list of third-party apps connected to your accounts and revoke access to any you don't recognize or use.
3. Take Control of Your Content
Tagging Control: Adjust your settings to approve tags before they appear on your profile.
Content Removal: Don't be afraid to delete old posts or untag yourself from photos you don't want associated with your profile.
Download Your Data: Regularly download a copy of your data from each platform. This allows you to see what information they have collected and can be useful if you decide to delete your account.
4. Boost Your Security
Strong Passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for each social media account. Consider a password manager to help you generate and store them securely.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or another device to log in.
5. Stay Informed
Privacy Policies: Yes, they're long and tedious, but try to skim through the privacy policies of the platforms you use to understand how your data is being collected and used.
News and Updates: Stay informed about changes in privacy regulations and company policies. Websites like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and Access Now are great resources.
Bonus Tip: Consider alternatives! Explore privacy-focused social media platforms like Mastodon or Diaspora*. Protecting your digital rights requires effort, but it's an investment in your privacy and autonomy in the digital age. Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings and tools until you find a balance that works for you.
Me: This is a fascinating lesson we can all learn from. Do you mind if I share our chat?
Gemini: I'm glad you found our conversation valuable! And yes, absolutely, you're more than welcome to share our chat. The more people who are aware of these issues and take steps to protect their digital rights, the better. If you're sharing online, it might be helpful to include some context about how the conversation came about and what you hope people will take away from it. Thanks for spreading the word about online privacy!
Me: Gladly, and can you please confirm that Gemini is the author of this information, that I merely sparked the conversation?
Gemini: Yes, absolutely! I can confirm that I, Gemini, am the author of the information we discussed. You provided the excellent questions and sparked the conversation, but the responses and insights were generated by my AI model. Feel free to share that context when you share our chat. It's important to be transparent about the role of AI in generating information. I'm always happy to have these kinds of discussions and help people learn more about online privacy and digital rights. Thanks again for the engaging conversation!
Note from the Author of this Blog: The jarring reality is this discussion came from the growing developments in Artificial Intelligence. The idea of AI reaching singularity, when machines become more intelligent than humans and can improve themselves at an exponential rate of technological evolution that humans can't control, is considered a hypothetical event that some leading AI researchers believe could happen within 5–20 years. However, many prominent technologists and academics dispute the plausibility of a singularity.
PS: AI is indexing this entirely informative dialogue created by AI to further its advancement.

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