## **Meta’s Covert Tracking: A Deep Dive into Facebook and Instagram’s Android Intrusions**
If you’ve ever browsed sensitive content on your Android device while logged into **Facebook** or **Instagram**—even in **incognito** mode or using a **VPN**—there’s a good chance Meta has been watching you. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. **Meta**, the parent company of these social networks, has come under fire for its invasive user tracking practices that seemingly infringe upon your privacy.
### **The Hidden Tracking Mechanism**
When using your Android phone and interacting with various websites, **Meta employs a hidden tracking method** that links your browsing behavior to your accounts on Facebook and Instagram. This means that every click, view, and transaction is, in essence, a data point in Meta’s extensive user profile. The result? Highly targeted advertisements designed to cater to your latest interests.
### **A Violation of User Trust**
What makes this practice particularly egregious is the **lack of user consent**. Meta used Android browsers to create a link between your browsing history and your social media profiles, effectively following your digital footprints without explicit permission. Even **Google**, typically no saint when it comes to user privacy, described Meta’s method as a “**blatant violation**” of its security guidelines.
#### **The Recent Developments**
Recently, Meta paused this tracking technique, but the repercussions are far from over. With Google swiftly updating Chrome to counter such invasive methods, we may soon see regulators step in, particularly in regions like the **EU**, where user privacy laws are stringent.
### **The Discovery: An Academic Revelation**
This intrusive strategy was uncovered by **Professor Günes Acar** from Radboud University in the Netherlands. During his research, he stumbled upon a peculiar connection between certain web trackers—including those from **Facebook**—and his device. Acar’s findings revealed a disturbing truth: Meta had adeptly concealed its tracking tactics to evade detection.
#### **Linking Browsing to Identity**
Meta implemented a technique utilizing the **Meta Pixel tracker**, which is present on around **20%** of popular websites, often including adult content. While the Meta Pixel is typically used to send information to Meta, the company developed a way to connect it directly to its mobile applications. This innovation allows Meta to harvest browsing data without any form of consent, even sidestepping privacy protections like **incognito mode** and **VPNs**.
### **Exploiting User Privacy Protections**
You might think you’re browsing anonymously, but Meta’s approach completely undermines both **incognito** mode and **VPN** security. It captures every action, allowing the company to know precisely what products you’ve viewed or purchased, enabling them to serve you **highly personalized ads**.
### **Google’s Response: A Strong Stance**
When reached for a comment, **Google** expressed grave concern. They stated that certain functions misused by the developers “**blatantly violate** our security and privacy principles,” and committed to rectifying the situation. This is particularly noteworthy given Google’s own recent battles over user tracking, having settled a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit over data privacy violations.
### **Meta’s Nonchalant Reaction**
Meta, perhaps unperturbed by the controversy, merely characterized the incident as an “**issue**” they are working to address with Google. Their official statement emphasized their intent to resolve the matter while continuing their data collection methods surreptitiously.
### **The Implications: A Broader Picture**
This scandal shines a light on a larger issue within digital advertising. Though new tracking methods evolve, user consent and privacy remain pressing concerns. While some companies have been pushed to adapt (as evidenced by **Apple’s recent privacy features**), others, like Meta, seem to perpetuate the cycle of invasive tracking.
### **Conclusion: The Future of User Privacy**
Now more than ever, the need for robust user privacy standards is apparent. With established tech giants preying on user data, it’s crucial for consumers to be aware and proactive about their digital footprints. As we navigate this digital age, regulating entities need to step up and reinforce what it means to protect user privacy.
For more details on this tracking approach and its repercussions, you can check out **El País**’s coverage [here](https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-06-03/the-covert-method-meta-uses-to-track-mobile-browsing-without-consent-even-in-incognito-mode-or-with-a-vpn.html) and the research by Professor Acar [here](https://localmess.github.io/).
