FACEBOOK MONETIZE ON TRACKING USER LOCATION WITHOUT USER PERMISSION

According to Sherman, Facebook deduces location from users’ IP addresses and their interactions with Facebook (for instance, if they confirm their attendance at events with a specified location via a Facebook event, ‘check in’ at attractions, or receive a tag in a photo or status linked to a location).

These methods allow for less precise tracking than what is possible when users explicitly consent to tracking via GPS, typically restricted to city or postal code area.

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“When location services [are] off, Facebook may still understand people’s locations using information people share through their activities on Facebook or through IP addresses and other network connections they use,” he wrote to the Senators, in a letter obtained by The Hill.

Facebook has a dedicated team of engineers responsible for managing and analysing data which could inform the company of approximate user location via an internal API.

Facebook has profited from these practices, Sherman said, having targeted almost all ads “by necessity” based on user location. This is done even when location tracking is switched off. Sherman said that other services provided through this location tracking included customised weather reports, offers from Facebook Marketplace, and nearby friend suggestions.

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Hawley – a prominent critic of the ‘tech giants’ – and Coons have criticised Facebook for profiting via these arguably invasive means. Writing on Twitter, Hawley commented: “Facebook admits it. Turn off ‘location services’ and they’ll STILL track your location to make money (by sending you ads). There is no opting out. No control over your personal information. That’s Big Tech. And that’s why Congress needs to take action.”