Ads and Additional Privacy Settings

Introduction

 

You should be aware that there are additional privacy settings beyond those on the Privacy Settings and Tools page. Understanding how these settings and options work will help you make an informed decision about how you use Facebook.
In this lesson, you'll learn how to control Facebook Ads, how to create Friends Lists, and how to block people and applications.
 

Setting Privacy for Ads

By default, Facebook is allowed to use your Profile and social actions in Facebook Ads. For example, a game can use your picture and game activity in the advertisements it shows your Friends in order to encourage them to play. Whenever you like something on Facebook, Fan Pages and businesses can then use this information to advertise to your Facebook friends, as in the example below:

An example of personalized Facebook Ads

If you would rather not expose your activity and interests in this way, then you should set privacy for Facebook Ads. Keep in mind that Facebook's policy on allowing advertisers to use your information is complicated and can change. Therefore, we recommended that you block ads from accessing and displaying your information.

To Set Privacy for Facebook Ads:

1. Click the Settings Gear in the top-right corner of the page, then select Account Settings from the drop-down menu. 
   
   Navigating to Account Settings
2. Click Ads in the Navigation pane.
   Navigating to Ads settings
3. The Facebook Ads page will appear. Click Edit in the Third Party Sites group.
   
   The Facebook Ads page
4. Click the drop-down arrow and select No one, then click Save Changes. This will prevent advertisers from using your public information in their advertisements.
   
   Modifying third party ad settings
5. Click Edit in the Ads & Friends group.
   The Facebook Ads page
6. Select No one from the drop-down menu, then click Save Changes. This will prevent advertisers from using your likes and interests to tailor advertisements to your Friends.
7. Your Ads settings will be saved.
   Modifying Friends & Ads settings