Meta · Meta Platform Policy

Prohibition on Surveillance Use

High severity
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What it is

You must not use data obtained from us to provide tools that are used for surveillance, including but not limited to, providing tools to track, monitor, or profile individuals based on their online activity.

Why it matters

This clause protects users from having their Facebook data turned into a surveillance instrument — for example, it prohibits building tools that track activists, journalists, or individuals based on their Facebook activity.

Consumer impact

Meta's Platform Terms directly affect consumers because they determine what third-party apps and developers can do with personal data obtained from Facebook or Instagram, including profile information, friend lists, and activity data. The terms prohibit developers from selling platform data or using it for surveillance, but enforcement depends on developer compliance rather than Meta directly protecting users. You can review and remove third-party apps that have access to your Facebook account by visiting Facebook Settings, then 'Apps and Websites', to revoke permissions for any app you no longer trust or use.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC has enforcement authority over surveillance tools and tracking technologies used in connection with consumer data under FTC Act Section 5.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Meta Platform Policy
Entity
Meta
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-001944
Document ID
CA-D-00022
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
4374fc1ff34a2283fed483234d25489ab19318606babb2f08722353374991450
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Meta | Document: Meta Platform Policy | Record: CA-P-001944
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:43:57 UTC | SHA-256: 4374fc1ff34a2283…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/meta/meta-platform-policy/prohibition-on-surveillance-use/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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