Facebook has rolled out a new feature in its mobile app to continue tracking its user data amid stricter privacy regulations on social media giants.
The "Link History" feature allows users to go back to the websites they visited over the past 30 days. A list will display all the links the user accessed while browsing the app.
With the line tag "never lose a link again," the platform promoted the feature as a useful tool for users to have their "browsing activity saved in one place."
Turning on the "Link History" also means allowing Facebook to "use your information to improve your ads across Meta technologies."
The feature is currently available on Android and iOS devices. Some areas might still not have the feature available as Facebook introduces it "globally over time."
Meta Continues to Find Way to Collect User Data
Meta, Facebook's parent company, has been tracking all the sites its users visit. Only this time, users can now see which data the platform collects from them.
Court documents from legal complaints against Meta have revealed that it was an "open secret" that the platform "routinely documented" its users under the age of 13.
The announcement of the "Link History" features comes after the US Federal Trade Commission pushes for stricter regulations on social media sites regarding data privacy.
"Link History" is only the latest feature to add to Meta's data collection procedures being made public.
Meta already allows its users to view their watch, browsing, and purchase history on the app before as ads become more targeted and personalized.
How to Turn Off Facebook 'Link History' Feature?
While it is not an apparent solution, Facebook offers its users the chance to turn off the feature.
To do so, just look for an outgoing link while browsing the Facebook app and tap it.
Once the link brings you to Facebook's Mobile Browser, click the option menu on the bottom right and open the Settings.
The "Allow Link History" can be spotted listed down on the options. Turn that off to "immediately clear your link history."
According to Meta, turning the feature off will not allow the platform to "save your link history or use it to improve your ads across Meta technologies."
It may take up to 90 days before Meta completely deletes all link history from its users.
