Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) has always displayed ads based on the interests that you’ve shown on the site and also from things that you ‘Like’ on the web. In the coming weeks, starting in the U.S., Facebook will start showing ads based on the websites a user visits. This is how many other companies determine how to display ads.
Facebook explains this with the help of an example:
Let’s say that you’re thinking about buying a new TV, and you start researching TVs on the web and in mobile apps. We may show you ads for deals on a TV to help you get the best price or other brands to consider. And because we think you’re interested in electronics, we may show you ads for other electronics in the future, like speakers or a game console to go with your new TV.
However, Facebook is allowing users to opt-out. Here’s a quick guide on how to opt out.
Opting out of interest-based ads on Facebook
Thankfully, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) has made this process very easy. The social network has adopted the industry standard Digital Advertising Alliance behavioral advertising opt-out tool, which means that all you’ll need to do is to head over to this tool, select the companies for which you want to opt out on your specific browser, and you’re done. In this case, find Facebook Inc. and then check mark it.
Once you’ve selected the company, click on the “Submit your choices” button.
If, however, you’re on iOS or Android device, then the method to opt out is different. Facebook says that you can still opt out of such ads “using the controls that iOS and Android provide.”
On Android
If you’re on Android, then go to the Settings app > Accounts > Google and tap on Ads. In the next screen, check mark “Opt out of interest-based ads” if you haven’t already done so. This will prevent Facebook from tailoring ads based on your interests.
On iOS
If you’re on Apple’s iOS device, then just like Android, the process is very easy and it’s just a matter of a few simple steps.
Head over to Settings > Privacy > Advertising, and activate ‘Limit Ad Tracking’. That’s all you need to do on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch device.
However, this step will not stop ads on Facebook; instead, it only means that the ads will not be based on your visits to websites.
