According to a news report, Facebook installs cookies on the users’ computers and tracks their internet use, even after the user has logged out, opted out of tracking or deleted the Facebook account
Facebook, like any other website, does this by installing Internet Cookies on the users’ computer if they visit any page on the facebook.com domain, including fan pages or other pages that do not require a Facebook account to visit.
Very many websites use this technology but European law requires that the user be informed if cookies are installed on his/her computer or if he/she is being tracked. Facebook’s privacy policy allows for tracking even if the user has been on a Facebook page without logging in.
Facebook challenged the accuracy of the report and clarified,
“We have explained in detail the inaccuracies in the earlier draft report (after it was published) directly to the Belgian DPA, who we understand commissioned it, and have offered to meet with them to explain why it is incorrect, but they have declined to meet or engage with us. However, we remain willing to engage with them and hope they will be prepared to update their work in due course”.
He added,
“Earlier this year we updated our terms and policies to make them more clear and concise, to reflect new product features and to highlight how we’re expanding people’s control over advertising. We’re confident the updates comply with applicable laws including EU law.”
Facebook is regularly audited for its European data by the Irish Data Protection Commissioner, who checks that Facebook is acting within the EU’s Data Protection Directive.
Facebook has a page on its website which tell users about its cookies and how they are used on the network. The Social network insists that cookies are used for the purpose of advertising and some other functions only and users can opt out of such tracking if they wish.
