Every major social platform collects data differently. Understanding the specifics helps you decide which platforms align with your privacy requirements and which need mitigation.
Meta (Facebook/Instagram) collects device identifiers, location history, purchase activity, browsing behavior via the Meta Pixel, contact lists, and facial recognition data. Data is shared with advertisers and can be subpoenaed. Data export is available but incomplete. Account deletion takes 30 days and metadata may persist.
X (Twitter) collects device info, IP addresses, browsing history (via embedded tweets on third-party sites), DM content, and location data. Policies have shifted frequently since 2022. Data export works but format is JSON-heavy and hard to parse.
TikTok collects device identifiers, keystroke patterns, clipboard contents, face and voice data from videos, and location. Data flows to servers in the US and Singapore. The extent of data accessible to ByteDance in China remains disputed. Data export is available but limited.
LinkedIn collects employment history, salary data (inferred), browsing behavior on partner sites, email content (if using LinkedIn email), and connection graphs. Shares data with advertisers and recruiters.
Mastodon (federated) collects what your instance admin configures. Most instances collect IP addresses in logs. Posts federate across servers you cannot control. No advertising. Data export is straightforward ActivityPub JSON.
| Platform | Ad Tracking | Data Export | Deletion Timeline | E2E Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meta | Extensive | Partial | 30 days | WhatsApp only |
| X | Moderate | Full (JSON) | 30 days | DMs: No |
| TikTok | Extensive | Limited | 30 days | No |
| Moderate | Full | 30 days | No | |
| Mastodon | None | Full | Immediate | No (public posts) |
For privacy-conscious users - Mastodon eliminates ad tracking entirely. For platforms you must use professionally, limit data exposure with dedicated browsers, separate email addresses, and minimal profile information. Use data export tools regularly to maintain local copies.
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