When I downloaded my Facebook information, I found a file in the ads folder called advertisers_who_uploaded_a_contact_list_with_your_information. I wasn’t surprised this file existed, but I was surprised by what was on it. There were almost 3,100 advertisers listed on there, most of which I’d never heard of nor done business with, meaning they most likely purchased my personal contact information.

This doesn’t necessarily mean anything serious has happened, however, it does raise concern as to who has my information, why they have my information and what they might do with my information in the future.

I highly recommend checking out the Popular Science article below, downloading your own Facebook information (this can take a day or two to prepare) and re-checking your Facebook privacy settings.

Popular Science Article: You wanna see something wild? Check out all the advertisers targeting you on Facebook.

Download your Facebook Information: https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=your_facebook_information

Facebook Ad Preferences: https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences

View all your Facebook settings here: https://www.facebook.com/settings