While everyone is laser-focused on TikTok and its potential to share user data with China, a much quieter, sneakier breach of trust has just come to light—courtesy of Meta (that’s Facebook and Instagram) and Russian tech giant Yandex. And unlike TikTok, which many only fear could share data, Meta has been caught doing it. Again. And again.
The Secret Surveillance Nobody Saw Coming
A recent report from top researchers at major European universities revealed that Meta and Yandex were using a new form of user tracking that works even when you think you’re safe—like in Incognito Mode or after clearing your cookies. And this wasn’t just on Android phones, although that’s where the study focused. From everything we can gather, this technique likely works on iPhones and computers too.
Here’s the simplified version:
- Facebook and Instagram apps quietly listen on hidden “ports” inside your device.
- When you browse one of the 5.8 million websites with Meta tracking code, it sends a secret signal to those apps.
- That signal links your browsing activity directly to your real Facebook or Instagram account.
- It does this even if you use private browsing or cleared your cookies.
This is not a bug. It’s not a mistake. It’s an intentional feature that bypasses all known privacy protections—built specifically to spy on you.
Why This Is Worse Than TikTok
TikTok has been accused of having the potential to share user data with China. That’s enough to get people worked up. But Meta has actually done everything TikTok is feared for:
- Tracking users in private browsing
- Linking anonymized browsing to real identities
- Bypassing all user privacy settings
- Operating in secret until caught
Yet TikTok takes the heat, while Meta keeps pushing boundaries and quietly apologizing when they get caught—only to try again later.
Should You Be Worried?
Some people may not care. We get it. If you’re not doing anything wrong, what does it matter, right?
But for those of us who care about digital privacy—who understand just how much power is tied to tracking our behavior online—this news is disturbing. Meta and Yandex exploited a loophole in how web browsers and apps talk to each other through something called “localhost” connections. And it turns out, that loophole exists on all major platforms.
What Can You Do?
- ❌ Uninstall Facebook and Instagram apps from your mobile devices
- ⚡ Use privacy-focused browsers like Brave or DuckDuckGo
- 🚫 Avoid using Yandex apps entirely
- 📁 Browse websites instead of using apps when you can
- 📊 Regularly update your browsers and devices to stay protected
This is a wake-up call. And the only real defense is to stay informed and be proactive.
Want to Read More?
Check out the full scoop:
- Washington Post: Meta found a new way to violate your privacy. Here’s what you can do.
- Original Research Paper – Tracking via localhost: Bridging Web and App Identifiers
Got questions or need help locking down your tech? Give us a shout at DarkHorse IT. We’re here to help protect your digital world.
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