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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Facebook offers several separate ways to inspect your account information, change who can see content, and limit some uses of activity for personalization. None is a universal switch that stops Facebook from collecting or retaining all data. Start in Settings & privacy, then use the control that matches what you want to do.
1. Review who can see your Facebook information
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Open your profile menu and choose Settings & privacy, then Settings. Look for Audience and visibility. Menu names and locations may vary by device, account, or country, so follow the labels shown in your current app or browser.
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Review the available controls for profile details, posts, followers, tagging, and blocking. These settings govern the audience for selected information or content; they do not erase every copy Facebook may retain or determine every way information can be used. Facebook also points to Privacy Checkup for reviewing a range of sharing and security choices.
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2. See what information and activity are associated with your account
Use Access your information for an overview
In Facebook settings, search for Access your information. Facebook’s help material describes an organized view that can include activity, personal information, connections, logged information, security and login information, apps and websites outside Facebook or Meta, preferences, and ads information. Categories and labels can change, so treat the current screen—not an older category list—as the guide to what is available on your account. See Facebook’s information tools help page and Meta’s Access Your Information explainer.
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Use Activity log to find particular actions
Search settings for Activity log to review activity such as posts, comments, likes, searches, and apps used. From there, Facebook may let you manage eligible items, including archiving or deleting account content and activity. That changes or removes the selected item from your account; it is different from changing the audience for content that remains. The available categories and actions can vary. See Facebook’s Activity log help.
3. Download a copy if you need an offline record
Look for Download your information in Facebook settings or Accounts Center. Facebook’s help content describes choosing all available categories or selecting particular categories and date ranges. A download gives you a copy to review or keep; downloading alone does not reduce data collection, delete the online information, or close your account. Facebook also describes tools to transfer some information to another service. Check the current download screen for the formats and choices offered to your account.
4. Limit use of activity shared by other businesses
Meta announced on June 9, 2026 that it would expand Activity from other businesses to govern personalization beyond ads, and discontinue the older Your activity off Meta technologies control. Meta said the change would begin in the United States and certain other countries in July 2026, with additional countries later; its announcement did not list every country. Look in your own Accounts Center or Facebook settings for the control and its current explanation rather than relying on older instructions for “Off-Facebook Activity.”
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Meta stated in that announcement, “We aren’t collecting any new data as part of this update.” That is Meta’s description of the announced control change, not a claim that Facebook collects no data or that changing the setting stops collection generally. Read Meta’s June 9, 2026 announcement alongside the options presented in your account.
Ad preferences and regional opt-outs
Ad Preferences or Accounts Center may offer controls for ads and activity from partners. The available options and any legal opt-out rights depend on where you live. Meta’s US regional privacy notice describes ad-partner activity controls and says Global Privacy Control may be honored for targeted-advertising opt-outs in qualifying circumstances under applicable US privacy laws. That notice is specific to the United States; people elsewhere should consult the privacy notice and controls applicable to their country. An ad or personalization control is not the same as changing post visibility or deleting account information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Delete the account only if you intend to lose access
Permanent deletion is more consequential than changing visibility or adjusting a personalization control. Facebook recommends downloading information you want to keep first and warns that account content cannot be retrieved after deletion. Deletion also affects Messenger and the ability to use Facebook Login for connected services. Facebook’s help content says copies may remain in backups for up to 90 days in some cases. Because the deletion help page may require login to view, confirm the current deletion steps and retention terms in Facebook’s live deletion flow before proceeding. See Facebook’s account deletion guidance.
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