Facebook’s “Clear History” Privacy Tool to Launch Later in 2019

• The long-awaited “Clear History” privacy tool will finally land on Facebook later this year.
• Users will be able to wipe all browsing data, trackers, and ad-targeting related information.
• Facebook is sorry to see their data collection power go but admits there’s no other way.

In spite of the delay, Facebook’s Chief Financial Officer David Wehner has confirmed that the “Clear History” tool will arrive on the world’s most successful social media platform later in the year. This new tool will take the level of privacy for Facebook’s users to a level that was previously unheard of, while at the same time is expected to deliver another blow at the tech giant’s ad targeting system. The tool was first promised in May 2018, as a way to win back the trust of users who were angry about the user data collection and sharing practices that were revealed with the Cambridge Analytical scandal.

According to Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s CEO, the new privacy tool will enable users to flush their browsing history on the social media platform, what posts or websites they have clicked on, and even the analytics data that other websites and apps use in order to deliver targeted ads. If that is really the case, then all trackers and cookies will be gone, and along with them a significant chunk of Facebook’s ad revenues. Wehner has made the following statement about this issue during the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference: “Broadly, the tool is going to give us some headwinds in terms of being able to target as effectively as before.”

Setting what 3rd party data brokers can collect and use about you is something that has already been implemented since last year, but wiping all data entirely is something that will take things to the next level for sure. Facebook insists that this will actually hurt the user experience, but they have no other option left in winning back the trust of their user base. While the numbers show continuous growth in users, people from developed countries are abandoning ship, teens are turning their backs, and regulatory bodies are throwing hefty fines at Facebook with every chance.

Zuckerberg expresses the necessity for this tool through the following statement: “After going through our systems, this is an example of the kind of control we think you should have. It’s something privacy advocates have been asking for — and we will work with them to make sure we get it right.” As for the delay in the rolling out of the Clear History tool, Facebook has stated that “We want to make sure this works the way it should for everyone on Facebook, which is taking longer than expected.”

Are you excited with what’s about to come on Facebook, or have you given up on your privacy on social media? Share your comments below, and help us reach out to more people by liking and sharing our posts on Facebook and Twitter.