Provision record
Meta · Meta Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Location Data Collection

Medium severity High confidence Explicit document language Common · 290 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The policy states that Meta collects location data including precise device location (where permitted), IP-based location, and location inferred from user activity such as check-ins and events, and uses this data across the purposes described in the policy including advertising.

This analysis describes what Meta's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision establishes that Meta collects multiple categories of location data, ranging from precise GPS-level device location to inferred location from social activity, and applies this data to advertising and personalization purposes across Meta's products.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
6
Months Monitored
Apr 3, 2026
First Seen
May 22, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 5149 other provisions on other platforms.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under this clause, Meta collects precise device location data when users grant permission, as well as IP-based and activity-inferred location data, and uses these location signals for purposes including targeted advertising, content personalization, and safety features.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Opt Out of Arbitration
    To revoke precise location access, go to your device's operating system settings, find the Facebook or Instagram app permissions, and set location access to 'Never' or 'While using the app' as appropriate for your preference.

How other platforms handle this

Roblox Medium

To stop us collecting your location information, you can update your device settings, stop using the Service, or uninstall our mobile apps.

Square Medium

to request that your data be transferred to a third party (data portability)

Google Cloud Medium

Your organization may allow you to access and export your data in order to back it up or transfer it to a service outside of Google.

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Location-related information: We use location-related information – such as your current location, where you live, the places you go, and the businesses and people near you – for the purposes described below. Location-related information can be based on things like precise device location (if you've allowed us to collect it), IP addresses, and information from your and others' use of Meta Products (such as check-ins or events you attend).

Excerpt from Meta's Privacy Policy

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Precise location data collection and use for advertising engages GDPR Article 6 lawful basis requirements and may implicate ePrivacy Directive provisions on terminal equipment data in EU jurisdictions.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →

Applicable regulations

EU AI Act
European Union
BIPA
Illinois, USA
CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
COPPA
United States Federal
Colorado AI Act
US-CO
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
CAN-SPAM
United States Federal
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
TCPA
United States Federal
UK GDPR
United Kingdom
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US
VPPA
United States Federal

Provision details

Document information
Document
Meta Privacy Policy
Entity
Meta
Document last updated
July 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 20, 2026
Last verified
May 20, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-000188
Document ID
CA-D-00021
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
85a8ac13c75e9fa527c230acaa1f83ad701c5f90b31397701c7ada5c66e1e196
Analysis generated
May 20, 2026 21:21 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Meta
Document: Meta Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-000188
Captured: 2026-05-20 21:21:08 UTC
SHA-256: 85a8ac13c75e9fa5…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/meta/meta-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-000188/location-data-collection/
Accessed: Sept. 8, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

Other risks in this policy

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Meta's Location Data Collection clause do?

This provision establishes that Meta collects multiple categories of location data, ranging from precise GPS-level device location to inferred location from social activity, and applies this data to advertising and personalization purposes across Meta's products.

How does this clause affect you?

Under this clause, Meta collects precise device location data when users grant permission, as well as IP-based and activity-inferred location data, and uses these location signals for purposes including targeted advertising, content personalization, and safety features.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 290 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Meta?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Meta.