In a newsroom post this morning, Facebook announces a new Ad Preferences feature for users.
The social media website is also narrowing in on targeted advertisements by collecting web browser history from users. In the past, Facebook mostly collected information about users from the pages they liked and visited within Facebook. Now, with new permissions, the social media website can track users activities outside of Facebook and target ads specific to browsing history.
In the newsroom post, Facebook states, “Let’s say that you’re thinking about buying a new TV, and you start researching TVs on the web and in mobile apps. We may show you ads for deals on a TV to help you get the best price or other brands to consider. And because we think you’re interested in electronics, we may show you ads for other electronics in the future, like speakers or a game console to go with your new TV.”
In addition to this new remarketing tactic though, Facebook users are gaining more control over what advertisements appear in their newsfeed. Ad Preferences, a new tool accessible from every ad on Facebook, explains to users why a specific ad is appearing in their newsfeed. The Ad Preferences tool also allows individuals to control interests and choose which advertisements they see.
Facebook also gives users the option to opt out of ad targeting based on web browser history. In the newsroom post, Facebook explains that users “can opt out…using the industry-standard Digital Advertising Alliance opt out, and on…mobile devices using the controls that iOS and Android provide.”
According to Facebook, the Ad Preferences feature will be available in the United States within the next few weeks and globally in the coming months.