Activity Presentation

This practical exercise aims to train young people on how to protect their data online. To do this, the facilitator guides them step by step in modifying their privacy settings on the internet and social networks.

Start with one social network and make changes gradually in the account.

Objectives:

  • Make young people aware that there are simple ways to protect their privacy on the internet and social networks.
  • Support them in this process on one social network so they can later apply it to others.

Activity Procedure

Step 1: Raise Awareness

1. Log into your Facebook account, from your computer or smartphone.

2. Notice Facebook’s strong “memory”: https://www.facebook.com/memories. On this page, Facebook suggests accessing content (photos, key events, and posts) based on dates and friends related to the post. You can also choose to hide them (by clicking on “hide memories”) and never see a memory suggestion again.

3. Click the menu at the top of the page > Click on Activity Log > You will see all your actions on Facebook and posts where others mention you. You can explore the options on the left, such as Posts, Timeline Review, or Tags, and edit or delete posts or mentions that concern you.

4. Check and download all your personal data: Click on the top menu > Settings > Your Facebook Information on the left side.

Step 2: Modify the privacy settings of your account

  1. Log into your Facebook account.
  2. Click on the top menu > Settings > Privacy on the left side > Limit the audience of your posts, choosing who can see them: preferably select Friends, Friends except acquaintances, or Close friends when available.
  3. Still in Settings > Timeline and Tagging on the left side > Limit who can interact with your timeline: preferably select Only me or Friends.
  4. In Settings > Public Posts on the left side > Preferably select Friends for each option.
  5. In Settings > Apps and Websites on the left side > Select and remove apps you no longer use.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting an app linked to Facebook may also delete your account on that app. For example, if you log into the Booking app using Facebook, you may lose your Booking account and all your hotel reservation details.

  1. Do the same for Instant Games and Business Integrations. The same risks apply.
  2. In Settings > Ads > Limit ad targeting > Explore all the options, especially under Your Information > About You and Your Categories.

Finally, strengthen your password (make it long and strong: at least 8+ characters). Use a password not used on other accounts. Go to the top menu > Settings > Security and Login > Change Password.

Geolocation and Facebook

If you installed the Facebook app on your phone, you may have allowed Facebook to track you without knowing!

To check from your computer: go to your Facebook Settings > Click Location on the left menu. If enabled, Facebook will show your location history!

Step 3: Do the same with your other social media accounts

The process for privacy settings may vary depending on the device (computer, phone) and operating system (iOS, Android).

  • Set your Instagram account from your phone: Profile > Tap profile picture > Settings (at the bottom) > Privacy and Security > Explore options.
  • Set your Twitter account from computer/phone: Profile > Tap profile picture > Settings and Privacy > Privacy and Safety > Explore options.
  • Set your Pinterest account from computer: Profile > Tap profile picture > Edit Settings > Focus on Basic Account Settings and Social Networks.
  • Set your YouTube account from computer: Profile > Tap profile picture > Settings > Focus on Account and History and Privacy.

To go further, check your Google account linked to YouTube: https://myaccount.google.com/privacy

  • Set your LinkedIn account from computer: Profile > Tap profile picture (top menu) > Preferences and Privacy > Check Privacy and Ads tabs.

Step 4: Set your Internet browser

To better protect your privacy and block ads, install browser extensions.

Steps vary depending on which browser you use.

1. Block third-party cookies: See WikiHow guide: https://www.wikihow.com/Disable-Cookies

2. Install an ad blocker like AdGuard AdBlocker, AdBlock, or uBlock Origin. Search for “Ad blocker extension [browser name]”, e.g., “ad blocker extension Firefox”.
⚠️ Note: Some sites may not work properly with ad blockers. You can disable the blocker temporarily in its settings.

3. Use private browsing mode to avoid targeted ads: Search for “Private browsing [browser name]”, e.g., “private browsing Chrome”.
Private browsing prevents saving history, cookies, and form entries locally. Downloads and bookmarks remain saved. Your activity is still visible to websites, your employer/school, and your internet provider.

4. Enable “Do Not Track”: Search “Do Not Track [browser name]”, e.g., “Do Not Track Firefox”. Follow instructions to enable it in your browser.