11 Privacy Secrets Facebook Doesn’t Want You to Know

June 18, 2025

Think you’re safe on Facebook? Think again. Behind the scenes, many of Facebook’s default settings and secret systems collect more of your personal data than you realize. Knowing these Facebook privacy secrets lets you lock down your account and protect your identity. In this article, we reveal 11 hidden practices Facebook doesn’t advertise—and show you how to take action. Ready to reclaim your privacy and stop the data grab?

1. Shadow Profiles Track Even Non-Users

Facebook builds shadow profiles—extensive dossiers on you—even if you’ve never signed up. These profiles are fed by your friends sharing your contact info, tagging photos of you, or inviting you. Research shows Facebook can track ~40% of web browsing time for users and non-users alike. You don’t even need an account to get profiled. To limit this, encourage friends not to upload your info and check your “Off-Facebook Activity” settings.

2. Location Tracking Without Consent

Did you know Facebook tracks your location, even with check-in disabled? An investigation found the Android app collects location data regardless of your choices. That means your late-night location, coffee shop visits, and weekend getaways may be archived. Many users don’t realize this can’t be fully turned off. For better control, disable location at the system level and consider using Facebook in your browser only.

3. Meta Pixel Follows You Around the Web

Facebook’s Meta Pixel (tracking code on millions of websites) logs your visits—even when you’re not scrolling your News Feed. It records what you view, purchase, or search for, then uses that data to serve ads. You’ll see eerily specific ads because of it. And you can’t opt out through Facebook alone. To stop it, use privacy browsers like Brave or extensions like Ghostery or Privacy Badger.

4. Your Private Messages Aren’t So Private

Facebook once allowed device-makers to access private message metadata—even if the user never consented. That means info such as conversation times, lengths, and participants leaked out. While Facebook claims to have shut many of these doors, some data sharing may still linger through partners. This shows how even “private” features can become public. Review connected apps and request deletion of old message metadata.

5. Facial Recognition Tracks You Silently

Facebook’s old facial recognition system, DeepFace, identified you in photos with nearly 97% accuracy. Although Meta says it shut down the public system in 2021, the software still exists behind the scenes. That means your faceprints could still be embedded in its AI research projects. It’s a silent stalker, tracking who you resemble and who resembles you. To opt out, disable face recognition in settings and delete any scans tied to your account.

6. Data Sold to Advertisers and Governments

Facebook has quietly shared your data with device-makers, advertisers, and even explored selling it to governments. A whistleblower revealed Facebook once contemplated offering data access to Beijing in exchange for market presence. In South Korea, Meta was fined $15 million for passing sensitive user data to thousands of advertisers without consent. That proves your privacy isn’t always in your hands—or Facebook’s. To push back, turn off targeted ads and review active advertisers in Ad Settings.

7. Sensitive Info Is Happily Tracked

Facebook secretly collects sensitive information through what you “like” or click—things like religion, sexual orientation, and political views. Korean regulators found Meta did exactly that with nearly a million users, and didn’t ask permission. Even if you never explicitly submit it, your clicks reveal hidden layers about you. Your digital likes can lead to real-world inference and targeting. Drill into Ad Preferences and remove sensitive categories manually.

8. Meta AI Hurts Your Privacy

Facebook’s new Meta AI app leaks private questions and chats into public “Discover” feeds—some users had medical or legal Qs go public. Sadly, many people believed their discussions were private. But a confusing “share” button led to public posting without clear warnings. If you’re using Meta AI, assume everything is public unless clearly marked. Until it changes, avoid sensitive questions and unlink your Instagram or other accounts.

9. Algorithmic Bias and Deepfake Risks

Your images, audio, and video are fair game for Facebook algorithms, including deepfake generation. Experts warn that AI-generated scams use your face or voice to manipulate loved ones. This could lead to fraud or identity theft if someone gets crafty. Cutting off this exposure begins with locking down photo visibility. Set photos and profiles to “friends only” and watch for unfamiliar deepfake attempts.

10. XCheck & Unequal Enforcement

Facebook secretly shields high-profile users in a program called “XCheck.” Their content often escapes enforcement rules that punish average users, creating inequality. That means you can be penalized for a post that a celebrity can get away with. This double standard erodes trust and reveals hidden policy practices. Rethink how much data you share if rules only apply to common users, not influencers.

11. Downloading Your Data Isn’t Enough

Yes, Facebook allows you to download an archive of your photos, posts, and messages—but that’s only a partial picture. It doesn’t include all the inferred data Facebook stores—like shadow profiles, facial recognition templates, or tracking logs. A study shows users were shocked by how much data was collected via off-Facebook activity. Sadly, you can’t download what you don’t know exists. Instead, comb through every privacy panel and review verbatim XML downloads to catch unexpected files.

Why Small Controls Can Make a Big Difference

These Facebook privacy secrets reveal how deep the data collection goes, often without our knowledge. By flipping settings, deleting face scans, opting out of tracking, and choosing secure tools, you limit that reach. Privacy isn’t found in default settings—it’s built intentionally. Every tweak makes a dent in Facebook’s data grip—and protects your digital identity.

Which of these Facebook privacy secrets shocked you the most? Share what steps you’re taking—or struggling with—in the comments below!

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