Meta is now allowing users to prevent Instagram from gathering their data as they navigate various apps and websites. This feature, named “Activity Off-Meta Technologies,” can be accessed within the Accounts Center on the platform, extending its previous availability only for Facebook.
Meta collects data from third-party websites through tools like the Meta Pixel, which tracks user activity online to deliver personalized advertisements on its platforms.
In addition to this feature, Meta has also announced other updates to the Accounts Center, including the ability to transfer photos and videos from Instagram to other services. Although specific services are not mentioned, an example provided is using a third-party service to create and print a photo album using Instagram pictures.
Users can now download information from both their Facebook and Instagram accounts simultaneously, though the option to download them separately is still available.
Meta initially introduced the revamped Accounts Center in January, serving as a centralized control hub for managing settings across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger accounts. The company has been working on providing more transparency in ad targeting and distribution, particularly in response to concerns about housing discrimination. Additionally, Meta is adapting to new regulations in the European Union, potentially making highly targeted ads opt-in in that region.
