Highlights: Meta collects sign-up details, your activity, connections, device data and partner information
The section's highlights summarize the main kinds of information Meta collects: what you give when you sign up and create a profile (for example email address, phone number or age); what you do on the Products, including clicks, likes, posts, photos, chats with AI at Meta and messages you send; who your friends or followers are and what they do; information from the phone, computer or tablet you use, such as its kind and your app version; and information from partners about what you do both on and off the Products, which could include other websites you visit, apps you use or online games you play. On some Products you can use end-to-end encrypted messages, which is explained in a linked help page that is not supplied.
Supporting quotations
In this Policy we list the kinds of information we collect. Here are some important ones. We collect:
The information you give us when you sign up for our Products and create a profile, like your email address, phone number or age
What you do on our Products. This includes what you click on or like, your posts and photos, your chats with
On some Products, you can use end-to-end encrypted messages.
Who your friends or followers are, and what they do on our Products
Information from the phone, computer, or tablet you use our Products on, like what kind it is and what version of our app you’re using
Information from partners[2] about things you do both on and off of our Products. This could include other websites you visit, apps you use or online games you play.
Qualifications & exceptions
These are highlights; the detailed lists follow in the same section.
End-to-end encrypted messaging is available only on some Products.
Not stated here
How end-to-end encryption affects what Meta collects is described in a linked page not supplied here.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
What Meta collects depends on how you use the Products, and some data is collected without an account
Meta says the information it collects and processes about you depends on how you use its Products; it gives the example that selling furniture on Marketplace and asking AI at Meta to write a joke lead to different information. It also states that when you use the Products, it collects some information about you even if you do not have an account. The specific no-account collection is described later in the section.
Supporting quotations
The information we collect and process about you depends on how you use our Products[3].
When you use our Products, we collect some information about you even if you don't have an account[4].
Here's the information we collect:
Qualifications & exceptions
Collection without an account is stated as a general rule; the detail is in the non-account-holder subsection.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta collects your activity and information you provide across its Products
Meta calls everything you can do on its Products activity and collects your activity across its Products together with information you provide. The list includes content you create (posts, comments, audio); content provided through the camera feature, camera roll settings or voice-enabled features; interactions with AI at Meta and related metadata, including content and messages you or others exchange with it; types of content, including ads, you view or interact with and how; apps and features you use and actions taken in them; purchases or other transactions, such as through Meta checkout experiences, including credit card information; hashtags you use; the time, frequency and duration of your activities; and your photo or video selfie if you provide it when contacting account support. Meta points to a control page for who sees your content and what is public, which is not supplied.
Supporting quotations
We call all of the things you can do on our Products "activity." We collect your activity across our Products and information you provide[5], such as:
Content you create, like posts, comments or audio.
Content you provide through our camera feature or your camera roll settings, or through our voice-enabled features.
and related metadata. For example, information you or others exchange with AI at Meta like content and messages.
Types of content, including ads, you view or interact with, and how you interact with it.
Apps and features you use, and what actions you take in them.
Purchases or other transactions you make, such as through Meta checkout experiences, including credit card information.
Hashtags you use.
The time, frequency and duration of your activities on our Products.
Your photo or video selfie if you provide it when you contact us for account support.
who sees your content and what is public content.
Qualifications & exceptions
Selfie collection applies only if you provide it for account support.
Camera, voice, apps-and-features and purchase details are expanded in linked notes not supplied here.
Not stated here
What the linked notes say about camera, voice and purchase data.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta collects messages you send and receive, including content and metadata, subject to applicable law
Meta collects messages you send and receive, including their content, and metadata about content and messages; both are stated to be subject to applicable law. On some Products you can use end-to-end encrypted messages, and Meta links to an explanation of how that encryption works, which is not supplied.
Supporting quotations
Messages you send and receive, including their content, subject to applicable law. On some Products, you can use end-to-end encrypted messages.
about content and messages, subject to applicable law.
Qualifications & exceptions
Both message content and metadata collection are subject to applicable law.
End-to-end encrypted messaging exists only on some Products; its effect on collection is in an unsupplied help page.
Not stated here
Which laws limit message collection and how end-to-end encryption changes what Meta can access.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Information you choose to provide may carry special legal protections
You might choose to provide information about your religious views, sexual orientation, political views, health, racial or ethnic origin, philosophical beliefs or trade union membership. Meta notes that these and other types of information could have special protections under the laws of your jurisdiction. The Policy here does not state what Meta does differently with such information.
Supporting quotations
You might choose to provide information about your religious views, your sexual orientation, political views, health, racial or ethnic origin, philosophical beliefs or trade union membership. These and other types of information could have special protections under the laws of your jurisdiction.
Qualifications & exceptions
Applies to information you choose to provide.
Whether special protections apply depends on the laws of your jurisdiction.
Not stated here
How Meta treats such information differently, which is not stated in this block.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta collects information about your friends, followers, groups, Pages and other connections
Meta collects information about friends, followers, groups, accounts, Facebook Pages and other users and communities you are connected to and interact with on and off Meta Products, including how you interact with them across the Products and which ones you interact with most.
Supporting quotations
We collect information about friends, followers, groups, accounts, Facebook Pages and other users and communities you’re connected to and interact with on and off Meta Products[3]. This includes how you interact with them across our Products and which ones you interact with the most.
Qualifications & exceptions
Covers interactions both on and off Meta Products.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta collects your contacts' details if you upload or import them, even when those contacts do not use Meta
If you choose to upload or import contacts from a device, such as by syncing an address book, Meta collects your contacts' or connections' information, such as their name, email address or phone number. Meta adds that if you do not use Meta Products, or use them without an account, your information might still be collected this way; a linked help page about contact information uploaded by account holders is not supplied.
Supporting quotations
We also collect your contacts’ or connections’ information, such as their name and email address or phone number, if you choose to upload or import it from a device[11], like by syncing an address book.
If you don’t use Meta Products, or use them without an account, your information might still be collected.
Qualifications & exceptions
Only when you choose to upload or import contacts from a device.
Affects people who are not Meta users or have no account.
Not stated here
How Meta uses uploaded contact information, which is described in an unsupplied help page.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta collects app, browser and device information, including identifiers, signals, network data and location
Meta collects and receives information from and about the devices you use and how you use them. The list covers the device and software and other characteristics; what you are doing on the device, such as whether the app is in the foreground or your mouse is moving (used to help tell humans from bots); identifiers that tell your device apart, including Family Device IDs; signals from your device; information shared through device settings such as GPS location, camera access, photos and related metadata; network and connection information including your IP address; some location-related information even if Location Services is turned off, including using IP addresses to estimate your general location; information about the Products' performance on your device; and information from cookies and similar technologies. Several items point to example notes and a cookies explanation that are not supplied.
Supporting quotations
We collect and receive information from and about the different devices[11] you use and how you use them.
Device information we collect and receive includes:
The device and software you’re using, and other device characteristics.
What you’re doing on your device, like whether our app is in the foreground or if your mouse is moving (which can help tell humans from bots)
Identifiers that tell your device apart from other users’, including Family Device IDs.
Signals from your device.
Information you’ve shared with us through device settings, like GPS location, camera access, photos and related metadata[16]
Information about the network you connect your device to and your connection, including your IP address[17].
Some location-related information, even if Location Services is turned off in your device settings. This includes using IP addresses to estimate your general location.
Information about our Products’ performance on your device.
Information from cookies and similar technologies.
Qualifications & exceptions
Location estimation from IP addresses happens even when Location Services is off.
Device-settings information depends on what you have shared through those settings.
Not stated here
The linked examples of device characteristics, identifiers, signals and network data, and the cookies note.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta receives information about you from partners, vendors and third parties, on and off its Products
Meta collects and receives information from partners, measurement vendors, marketing vendors and other third parties about your information and activities on and off its Products. Examples include your device information; websites you visit and cookie data, such as through Social Plugins or the Meta Pixel; apps you use; games you play; purchases and transactions off Meta's Products using non-Meta checkout; demographics such as education level; the ads you see and how you interact with them; and how you use partners' and third parties' products and services online or in person. Partners also share your email address, cookies and advertising device ID, which Meta uses to match your activities with your account if you have one. Meta receives this information whether or not you are logged in or have an account; a linked explanation of how it connects partner information to accounts is not supplied.
Supporting quotations
We collect and receive information from partners[21], measurement vendors, marketing vendors and other third parties[22] about a variety of your information and activities on and off our Products[3].
Here are some examples of information we receive about you:
Your device[11] information
Websites you visit and cookie data, like through Social Plugins or the Meta Pixel
Apps you use
Games you play
Purchases and transactions you make off of our Products using non-Meta checkout experiences
Your demographics, like your education level
The ads you see and how you interact with them
How you use our partners’ and other third parties’ products and services, online or in person
Partners[2] also share information like your email address, cookies[20] and advertising device ID with us. This helps us match your activities with your account, if you have one.
We receive this information whether or not you’re logged in or have an account on our Products.
Qualifications & exceptions
Received whether or not you are logged in or have an account.
Matching to an account applies only if you have one.
Not stated here
How Meta connects partner information to an account, which is in an unsupplied help page.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Partners may share their communications with you when they ask Meta to provide services to their business
Partners also share with Meta their communications with you if they instruct Meta to provide services to their business, such as helping them manage those communications. To learn how a business processes or shares your information, Meta directs you to that business's privacy policy or to contact it directly.
Supporting quotations
Partners also share with us their communications with you if they instruct us to provide services to their business, like helping them manage their communications. To learn how a business processes or shares your information, read their privacy policy or contact them directly.
Qualifications & exceptions
Only when the partner instructs Meta to provide services to its business.
Not stated here
How each business handles your information; governed by its own policy, not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Some information is required for the Products to work; other information is optional but affects quality
Meta states that some information is required for its Products to work, while other information is optional; without the optional information the quality of your experience might be affected. A further explanation is linked but not supplied.
Supporting quotations
Some information is required for our Products to work. Other information is optional, but without it, the quality of your experience might be affected.
Not stated here
Which information is required and which is optional; the linked note is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Without an account, Meta still collects visit logs, basic device data and cookie data from Business Tools
Even if you do not have an account, you may interact with or use Meta Products, and Meta then collects things like browser and app logs of your visits to public content (for example Facebook Pages and videos) and basic information about devices that downloaded its apps, such as device model and OS. Meta also receives information using cookies and similar technologies, like the Meta Pixel or Social Plugins, when you visit other websites and apps that use its Business Tools or other Meta Products. It refers to its Cookies Policy, which is not supplied.
Supporting quotations
Even if you don't have an account, you may interact with or use Meta Products[3]. Then we collect things like:
Browser and app logs of your visits to public content, like Facebook Pages and videos
Basic information about devices[11] that downloaded our apps, like device model and OS
We also receive information using cookies and similar technologies, like the Meta Pixel or Social Plugins, when you visit other websites and apps that use our
Qualifications & exceptions
Applies to people without an account.
Cookie-based receipt depends on third-party sites and apps using Meta Business Tools or other Meta Products.
Not stated here
The Cookies Policy and Business Tools pages are linked but not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Creating an account requires a password and email or phone; other details, forms and contacts are also collected
When you create a Facebook account you must provide some information, like a password and your email address or phone number. You might choose to add other details such as a profile photo or payment information. Meta also collects information you provide when you create your avatar, fill out a form or contact it.
Supporting quotations
For example, when you create a Facebook account, you must provide some information, like a password and your email address or phone number. You might choose to add other details to your account, like a profile photo or payment information.
We also collect information you provide when you:
Create your avatar
Fill out a form
Contact us
Qualifications & exceptions
Profile photo and payment information are optional additions.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Voice-enabled features collect your voice interaction, including background sound
When you use a voice-enabled feature such as telling Meta's Assistant to take a photo on smart glasses, Meta collects the voice interaction, which includes any background sound that occurs when the command is spoken. Collecting voice interactions lets Meta provide and, depending on your settings, improve the Assistant feature.
Supporting quotations
We collect this voice interaction, which includes any background sound that occurs when Ren says the command. Collecting Ren’s voice interactions lets us provide and, depending on Ren’s settings, improve the Assistant feature.
Qualifications & exceptions
Use for improvement depends on your settings.
Not stated here
Which settings control improvement use.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Metadata means information about content and messages, like photo location or message time
Metadata is described as information about the content itself, such as the location where a photo was taken or the date a file was created, and information about the message itself, such as the type of message or the date and time it was sent.
Supporting quotations
Information about the content itself, like the location where a photo was taken or the date a file was created
Information about the message itself, like the type of message or the date and time it was sent
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
AI at Meta covers generative AI features across Meta Company Products; Meta collects when you or others use it
Across Meta Company Products you can interact with Meta's generative AI features and experiences, collectively called AI at Meta. Meta collects information when you or others use, or exchange information with, AI at Meta; the list of what is collected continues in the next packet.
Supporting quotations
Across Meta Company Products, you can interact with Meta’s generative AI features and experiences, collectively called
We collect information when you or others use, or exchange information with, AI at Meta, such as:
Qualifications & exceptions
Covers information exchanged by others as well as by you.
Not stated here
The AI at Meta page is linked but not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
AI at Meta collection includes prompts, responses, requested actions and feedback
When you or others use AI at Meta, Meta collects prompts, which can include questions, messages, media and other information shared with or sent to AI at Meta; responses and other information you receive from it, sometimes provided with the help of Meta's AI integrations; actions you ask AI at Meta to take, such as customizing the content or ads you see; and feedback you give about its responses.
Supporting quotations
Prompts that can include questions, messages, media and other information you or others share with or send to AI at Meta
Responses and other information you receive from AI at Meta. Sometimes these are provided with the help of our AI integrations
Actions you ask AI at Meta to take, like customizing the content or ads you see
Feedback you give to AI at Meta about its responses
Qualifications & exceptions
Covers information shared by others as well as you.
Not stated here
What the AI integrations are.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta logs content you view, messaging features, Social Plugins, Facebook Login and in-app browser activity
As examples of apps and features data, Meta logs what apps, posts, videos, ads, games, Shops and other content you view or interact with on its Products; what features you access from its messaging products; when you use Social Plugins, Facebook Login, in-app browser link history or autofill; and information about websites you visit or interact with when using its in-app browser. The linked in-app browser explanation is not supplied.
Supporting quotations
For example, we log:
What apps, posts, videos, ads, games, Shops and other content you view or interact with on our Products
What features you access from our messaging products
in-app browser link history or autofill
Information about websites that you visit or interact with when you use our in-app browser.
Not stated here
Details of in-app browser collection in the linked page.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Devices include computers, phones, hardware, connected TVs, Meta Quest and other web-connected devices
The Policy's device footnote says devices include computers, phones, hardware, connected TVs, Meta Quest and other web-connected devices.
Supporting quotations
Devices include computers, phones, hardware, connected TVs, Meta Quest and other web-connected devices.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta collects information about you when others tag, message, invite, upload contacts, connect, block or report you
Examples of collection based on others' activity: Meta collects information about you on Meta Products when others share or comment on a photo you are tagged in, send you a message, invite you to a conversation, upload their contact or connection information such as an address book or follower list, invite you to play a game, connect with you as a friend or follower, block or report you, or provide information about you to AI at Meta, including messages and content you have shared.
Supporting quotations
For example, we collect information about you on Meta Products when others:
Share or comment on a photo you’re tagged in
Send you a message
Invite you to join a conversation
Upload their contact or connection information, such as an address book or follower list
Invite you to play a game
Connect with you, for example, as a friend or follower
Block or report you
including messages and content you have shared.
Qualifications & exceptions
These are examples; the list is not exhaustive.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Device characteristics collected include OS, hardware, brand, battery, signal, storage, browser, apps and plugins
Device information Meta collects includes the type of device, details about its operating system, hardware and software, brand and model, battery level, signal strength, available storage, browser type, app and file names and types, and plugins.
Supporting quotations
We collect device information like:
The type of device
Details about its operating system
Details about its hardware and software
Brand and model
Battery level
Signal strength
Available storage
Browser type
App and file names and types
Plugins
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Device signals include GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, beacons and cell towers; camera roll access yields photo metadata
Device signals Meta collects include GPS, Bluetooth signals, nearby Wi-Fi access points, beacons and cell towers. If you give Meta permission to access your device's camera roll, it collects metadata from and about your photos and videos, including the date and time they were made, used for things like reminding you when you have new photos to upload.
Supporting quotations
Device signals include GPS, Bluetooth signals, nearby Wi-Fi access points, beacons and cell towers.
For example, if you give us permission to access your device’s camera roll, we collect metadata. This metadata is from and about your photos and videos and includes the date and time they were made. We use this to do things like remind you when you have new photos to upload.
Qualifications & exceptions
Camera roll metadata collection requires your permission to access the camera roll.
Data Access & Collection · Context
IP address means the unique number assigned to a device so it can communicate over the internet
The Policy explains that IP address stands for internet protocol address, a unique number assigned to a device like a phone or computer that lets it communicate over the internet, assigned according to standard protocols; it compares it to a mailing address needed to receive a letter.
Supporting quotations
Stands for "internet protocol address." It’s a unique number assigned to a device, like a phone or computer, that allows it to communicate over the internet. Numbers are assigned according to standard guidelines, or protocols.
Just like you need a mailing address to receive a letter from a friend, your device needs an IP address to receive information on the internet.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Network data collected: operator, language, time zone, phone number, IP, speed, nearby devices, Wi-Fi hotspots
Information about your network and connection that Meta collects includes the name of your mobile operator or ISP, language, time zone, mobile phone number, IP address, connection and download speed, network capability, information about other devices that are nearby or on your network, and Wi-Fi hotspots you connect to using its Products. One stated reason is to improve your experience, for example letting you use your phone to control a video stream on a TV on the same network.
Supporting quotations
Information about your network and connection includes:
The name of your mobile operator or internet service provider (ISP)
Language
Time zone
Mobile phone number
IP address
Connection and download speed
Network capability
Information about other devices that are nearby or on your network
Wi-Fi hotspots you connect to using our Products
One reason we collect this information is to make your experience better. For example, if we know that your phone and TV are connected to the same network, we can help you use your phone to control a video stream on your TV.
Qualifications & exceptions
The stated reason is one example, not the only use.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta collects device performance and diagnostic data to prevent, diagnose and fix errors
Meta collects device information to prevent, diagnose, troubleshoot and fix errors and bugs, including how long the app was running, the device model and other performance and diagnostic information.
Supporting quotations
We collect device information to prevent, diagnose, troubleshoot and fix errors and bugs. This includes how long the app was running, what model of device you were using and other performance and diagnostic information.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta uses cookies, device identifiers, Social Plugins and the Meta Pixel; the Cookies Policy is not supplied
Cookies are small pieces of text used to store information on web browsers. Meta uses cookies and similar technologies, including data stored on your browser or device, identifiers associated with your device and other software, Social Plugins and the Meta Pixel, to provide, protect and improve its Products, such as personalizing content, tailoring and measuring ads and providing a safer experience. It collects information from cookies stored on your device, including cookie IDs and settings, and refers to the Meta Cookies Policy, which is not supplied here.
Supporting quotations
Cookies are small pieces of text used to store information on web browsers. We use cookies and similar technologies, including data that we store on your web browser or device, identifiers associated with your device and other software, Social Plugins and the Meta Pixel. They help us provide, protect and improve our Products, such as by personalizing content, tailoring and measuring ads and providing a safer experience.
We collect information from cookies stored on your device, including cookie IDs and settings.
Read our
Not stated here
The Meta Cookies Policy terms.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Meta receives information from public sources, industry peers, data vendors, content providers, law enforcement and more
Some people, businesses, organizations and bodies share information with Meta without necessarily using its Products. Meta collects and receives information from these other third parties, including publicly available sources like academic papers and public forums; industry peers such as other online platforms and technology companies; marketing and advertising vendors and data providers that have the rights to provide your information; companies that provide content such as videos, photos and audio; law enforcement; government authorities; professional and non-profit groups like NGOs and charities; and academic and research institutions.
Supporting quotations
Some people, businesses, organizations and bodies share information with Meta but don’t necessarily use our Products. We collect and receive information from these other third parties[25], including:
Publicly available sources, like academic papers and public forums
Industry peers, such as other online platforms and technology companies
Marketing and advertising vendors and data providers, who have the rights to provide us with your information
Companies or organizations that provide content, including videos, photos, and audio
Law enforcement
Government authorities
Professional and non-profit groups, like
Academic and research institutions, like universities, non-profit research groups and think tanks
Qualifications & exceptions
Data vendors are described as those with rights to provide your information.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Other device signals include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections; IP address footnote repeated
Meta receives different types of device signals from different operating systems, including nearby Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections. The IP address footnote is repeated: a unique number assigned to a device so it can communicate over the internet.
Supporting quotations
We receive different types of device signals from different operating systems. They include things like nearby Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections.
Stands for "internet protocol address." It’s a unique number assigned to a device, like a phone or computer, that allows it to communicate over the internet.
your device needs an IP address to receive information on the internet.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Supervision gives teen-chosen supervisors tools and insights; AI at Meta collection footnote repeated
Supervision provides supervisors chosen by a teen, such as parents and guardians, with tools and insights to help support a teen account. The AI at Meta footnote is repeated: across Meta Company Products you can interact with generative AI features collectively called AI at Meta, and Meta collects information when you or others use or exchange information with it, including prompts (questions, messages, media and other information) and responses, sometimes provided with the help of AI integrations.
Supporting quotations
Supervision provides supervisors chosen by a teen, like parents and guardians, with tools and insights to help support a teen account.
Across Meta Company Products, you can interact with Meta’s generative AI features and experiences, collectively called
We collect information when you or others use, or exchange information with, AI at Meta, such as:
Prompts that can include questions, messages, media and other information you or others share with or send to AI at Meta
Responses and other information you receive from AI at Meta. Sometimes these are provided with the help of our AI integrations
Data Access & Collection · Context
AI at Meta footnote: requested actions and feedback are also collected
The repeated AI at Meta footnote continues: Meta also collects actions you ask AI at Meta to take, such as customizing the content or ads you see, and feedback you give about its responses.
Supporting quotations
Actions you ask AI at Meta to take, like customizing the content or ads you see
Feedback you give to AI at Meta about its responses