Facebook serves ads based on user’s external browsing habits

We all got freaked out when Facebook started targeting ads towards us on the social network, depending on our “likes”. Prepare to be more freaked out: Under a new scheme, Facebook will also begin using information from the websites and apps you visit outside Facebook, too.

Users can block that tracking, and ads based on extra-Facebook Web surfing, by following instructions from the Digital Advertising Allowance. The roll-out of this type of advertising will initially start in the US “in the coming weeks”, according to Digital Strategy Consulting. 

Facebook commented: 

“Today, we learn about your interests primarily from the things you do on Facebook, such as Pages you like. Starting soon in the US, we will also include information from some of the websites and apps you use. Let’s say that you’re thinking about buying a new TV, and you start researching TVs on the web and in mobile apps,” the firm said. “We may show you ads for deals on a TV to help you get the best price or other brands to consider. And because we think you’re interested in electronics, we may show you ads for other electronics in the future, like speakers or a game console to go with your new TV.”