Blog | G5 Cyber Security

Facebook Local Network Data Collection

G5 Cyber Security

TL;DR

Yes, Facebook can collect information about devices on your local network, but it’s usually limited and often unintentional. This happens through features like Nearby Friends or when using Facebook apps/services while connected to Wi-Fi. You can reduce this by adjusting privacy settings and being mindful of what you share.

Understanding How It Happens

  1. Nearby Friends: This feature, if enabled, uses Bluetooth to detect nearby devices (including those on your Wi-Fi network) to help you connect with people.
  2. Facebook Login & App Permissions: When you use Facebook login for other apps or services, they may share information about your device and network connection with Facebook.
  3. Wi-Fi Scanning: Some Facebook features scan for Wi-Fi networks to improve location accuracy or provide relevant local content.
  4. Facebook Pixel & Website Tracking: While not directly on your local network, the Facebook pixel (used by many websites) can track your browsing activity and link it back to your Facebook account, potentially revealing information about devices used within your household.

How to Limit Data Collection

  1. Disable Nearby Friends:
    • Open the Facebook app.
    • Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Location.
    • Turn off “Nearby Friends”.
  2. Review App Permissions:
    • Open the Facebook app.
    • Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites.
    • Check which apps have access to your Facebook data. Remove any you don’t trust or no longer use.
  3. Control Location Services:
    • On Android: Go to Settings > Location and adjust app permissions for the Facebook app (Allow only while using the app, Ask every time, or Deny).
    • On iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and adjust permissions for the Facebook app.
  4. Limit Wi-Fi Scanning (if possible): Some phones allow you to control which apps can scan for Wi-Fi networks even when not actively using them. Check your phone’s settings.
  5. Use a Privacy-Focused Browser: Browsers like Brave or Firefox Focus block trackers by default, reducing the amount of data Facebook can collect through website tracking (Facebook Pixel).
  6. Ad Blocker with Tracker Blocking: Install an ad blocker that also blocks Facebook’s tracking pixels. uBlock Origin is a good option.
  7. Router Security: While not directly related to Facebook’s app data collection, ensure your Wi-Fi router has a strong password and the latest security updates. This protects all devices on your network.

Checking for Network Activity (Advanced)

You can use network monitoring tools to see what data is being sent from your devices, but this requires technical knowledge.

  1. Wireshark: A powerful packet analyzer. It captures and analyzes network traffic. 
    sudo apt install wireshark
  2. tcpdump: A command-line packet sniffer. 
    sudo tcpdump -i wlan0 -w capture.pcap

    (Replace wlan0 with your Wi-Fi interface name.)

Warning: These tools can be complex to use and require understanding of networking concepts.

Important Considerations

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