Facebook Unveils Mobile Link History Feature, Allowing Users to Track Visited Links
Facebook’s parent company, Meta, is launching a new feature called Link History on its mobile app, offering users the ability to track and revisit links they have tapped and viewed within Facebook’s in-app browser. Although the feature is not yet available to all users, it is gradually being rolled out globally for Android and iPhone devices.
According to information provided by Meta Help Center, users will have the option to toggle the Link History feature on or off. When activated, the feature will maintain a record of links tapped and visited in the in-app browser for a period of 30 days. The purpose of this tracking is primarily geared towards targeted advertising.
Gizmodo’s report sheds further light on the topic, revealing that Link History is enabled by default and its data is utilized for customized ad experiences. However, this move by Meta comes amidst increasing scrutiny from lawmakers worldwide, who are actively implementing stricter regulations in the tech industry. Critics argue that Meta is searching for new avenues to sustain its data collection empire.
In a bid to encourage users to consent to the new tracking method, Facebook is framing the Link History feature as a means to never lose a link again. The company emphasizes that enabling Link History allows them to enhance users’ advertising experiences across Meta’s various platforms. It is important to note that Messenger chats are exempt from the Link History feature, as stated explicitly on the Meta Help Center’s information page.
Users retain full control over their Link History settings and can activate or deactivate the feature at any time. When deactivating Link History, the previously saved link history will be promptly deleted, and users will no longer have access to their visited links. Meta advises that the deletion process may take up to 90 days to complete.
In light of concerns surrounding privacy and data usage, it is crucial to note that Meta maintains that link history information from Facebook’s Mobile Browser is solely utilized to optimize ad experiences across their platforms. This pledge is accompanied by an invitation to users to familiarize themselves with Meta’s Privacy Policy to better understand how their information is handled.
To enable or disable Link History, users can follow Meta’s step-by-step instructions. However, it is important to approach these settings with caution, taking into account individual preferences for personalized ad experiences and considerations regarding privacy.
The introduction of the Link History feature aligns with Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement and tailor advertising experiences. By allowing access to previously viewed links, users can conveniently revisit and reference content they have tapped within the Facebook app. Nevertheless, the prominence of data privacy concerns in today’s digital landscape calls for heightened vigilance when deciding whether to enable or disable such features.
In conclusion, Facebook’s new mobile feature, Link History, is set to empower users with the ability to track their visited links within the app’s browser. As Meta continues to refine its suite of offerings, users must strike a balance between personalized ad experiences and safeguarding their online privacy.
