After months of delays, Facebook is finally rolling out its “Clear History” privacy tool. The tool was to come in handy in helping users take more control of how their data off-Facebook is shared with the company for ad-targeting.
The new tool was announced in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal where millions of Facebook user’s data was shared inappropriately to the UK Political consultancy firm by a third-party developer.
Off-Facebook Activity tool, as the company calls it, is about giving users more control of their data. Because websites you visit track your activity and share it with Facebook for advertising, Off-Facebook Activity tool now gives you control on the data. With the new tool, you can choose to limit what data is shared with Facebook or completely clear out the whole data.
The new tool will be located in your General Settings page. Under the Off-Facebook Activity, you will be able to either Clear your History or manage what data should be shared with Facebook. A “more options” button also comes along for further alternatives regarding the same.
Off-Facebook Activity is rolling out in few countries as per now including Ireland, South Korea, and Spain. The company states other countries will follow “in the coming months.”
According to Facebook, the feature is rolling out slowly “to help ensure it’s working reliably for everyone.” Be warned that you might find some unfamiliar apps and websites. Facebook says this might be because a friend looked it up on your phone, or because you share a home computer with your partner and kids.”
In the future, Facebook says they plan to launch such new tools to refocus the company on matters privacy.
