The Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed the harsh reality of social media data security and manipulation, but the root of the issue lies with the platforms themselves. These platforms possess the capability to extract valuable insights from seemingly insignificant data using advanced tools like artificial intelligence and pattern analytics.

As a result, users may question whether they are under constant surveillance. These cutting-edge tools enable platforms to unearth information about an individual’s “past, present, or future locations,” interpret sentiment and meaning behind social media posts, and uncover connections between people using “link analysis.”

“In the age of social media, we willingly hand over our personal information, but we must not forget
that governments and corporations have an obligation to respect our privacy.” – Edward Snowden

Social media has become a staple of modern life. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok allow us to connect with friends and family, share our thoughts and experiences, and discover new content. But as we spend more and more time on these platforms, many people are becoming concerned about their privacy.

The truth is that social media platforms are collecting an enormous amount of data about us. Different social media platforms may obtain our data on:

• What we like
• What we search for
• Who we interact with
• Even our location

And while much of this data is used to provide us with personalized content and ads, there is also the risk of this information being misused or falling into the wrong hands.

One way that social media companies collect data is through the use of cookies. Cookies are small files that are stored on our devices when we visit a website or use an app. They can be used to track our activity across different sites and build a profile of our interests and habits.

Another tool used by social media companies is location tracking. Many apps ask for permission to access our location, which can be used to provide us with local news and recommendations. However, this data can also be used to track our movements and build a detailed picture of our daily routines.

In addition to these tools, social media companies are also using advanced algorithms to analyze our behavior and predict our preferences. This allows them to show us content that is most likely to keep us engaged on the platform, whether it’s a funny meme, a news article, or a targeted ad.

But the use of these tools raises serious questions about privacy and surveillance.

• Who has access to our data, and how is it being used?
• What happens if our data falls into the wrong hands?
• How can we protect ourselves from being spied on?

Social media tools are powerful tools that have revolutionized the way we connect with each other and consume content. However, they also raise serious concerns about privacy and surveillance. By being mindful of the information we share and using privacy-focused tools, we can protect ourselves from being spied on and maintain control over our personal data.