Meta · Meta Privacy Policy

Off-Platform Tracking of Non-Users

High severity
Share 𝕏 Share in Share

What it is

We collect information about your activity outside Meta Products and without an account. Partners share information with us through Meta Business Tools, like the Meta Pixel, or through other means. We receive information from partners when their websites or apps are used. We also receive information about your activities on and off Meta Products from third-party data providers who have the rights to provide us with your information.

Why it matters

This means virtually anyone who uses the internet may have a data profile at Meta without their knowledge or consent, which is used for advertising targeting.

Consumer impact

Meta's policy authorizes collection of an exceptionally broad range of personal data — including location, biometric features, financial information, browsing history across third-party sites, and sensitive inferences about health and political views — primarily to serve targeted advertising. Non-users who have never created a Meta account are also subject to data collection when they visit sites using Meta's tracking tools such as the Meta Pixel. You can review and limit off-platform tracking by visiting Facebook Settings > Your Facebook Information > Off-Facebook Activity and clearing or restricting that data.

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
    Log into Facebook, go to Settings > Your Facebook Information > Off-Facebook Activity. Select 'Clear History' to disconnect past data and 'More Options > Manage Future Activity' to limit future off-platform tracking.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    FTC has jurisdiction over Meta's data collection and tracking practices under FTC Act Section 5 and the 2019 consent decree; off-platform non-user tracking may constitute an unfair or deceptive practice.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Meta Privacy 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-001934
Document ID
CA-D-00021
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
b1a255c7398bbe7782a1515d8b3f44d46d84b5c925a280a05a176e2174258b1a
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Meta | Document: Meta Privacy Policy | Record: CA-P-001934
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:46:36 UTC | SHA-256: b1a255c7398bbe77…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/meta/meta-privacy-policy/off-platform-tracking-of-non-users/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

Other provisions in this document