7 in 10 changed Facebook behavior after Cambridge Analytica scandal: Consumer Reports

SAN ANTONIO – If months of reading about deceitful quiz apps, political meddling by Russian bots, and unchecked data collection have you rethinking your relationship with Facebook, you’re not alone.

A recent CR survey finds that seven out of 10 Facebook users changed their behavior after the Cambridge Analytica scandal. More than one in three became more cautious about their posts, revised privacy settings, and turned off location tracking.

If you’re still concerned about Facebook collecting your data CR recommends you take a few additional steps.

"You can turn off location tracking, you can turn off facial recognition, and you can turn on two-factor authentication," said CR Tech Editor Chris Raymond.

Two-factor authentication means  your account requests a second bit of information like a code sent to your phone before allowing you to log in.

As for so-called fake news on Facebook, more than half of users say they read news on Facebook that they initially thought was true but later realized it was not.

Despite these concerns, Consumer Reports found that people are sticking with Facebook for pretty basic reasons — it’s the easiest way to stay connected with people. And 32 percent say it’s the best way to remember birthdays.

The survey also finds people still want Facebook to be free. Nine out of 10 aren’t willing to pay a fee to stop Facebook from collecting their data.


About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.