Facebook Tracks and Traces Everyone: Like This!

“Abstract:

“Numerous websites have implemented the Facebook Like button to
let Facebook members share their interests, therewith promoting
websites or news items. It is, thus, an important business tool for
content providers. However, this article shows that the tool is
also used to place cookies on the user’s computer, regardless
whether a user actually uses the button when visiting a website. As
an alternative business model this allows Facebook to track and
trace users and to process their data. It appears that non-Facebook
members can also be traced via the Like button. This means that
Facebook’s tentacles reach far beyond their own platform and
members. Due to the extensive web coverage with Like buttons,
Facebook has a potential connection with all web users. Web
activity can be linked to individual accounts or a separate data
set can be created for individuals who are not (yet) a Facebook
member. The hidden collection of data on browsing behavior and the
creation of individual data sets has implications for the privacy
of individuals. This article discusses privacy issues arising from
third party cookie use and connectivity of web activity and
devices, using the technical process behind the Facebook Like
button as an example.”

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