Privacy Policy
What is the Privacy Policy and what does it cover?
Effective June 16, 2025 | View printable version | See previous versions
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We at Meta want you to understand what information we collect, and how we use and share it. That’s why we encourage you to read our Privacy Policy. This helps you use Meta Products in the way that’s right for you.
In the Privacy Policy, we explain how we collect, use, share, retain and transfer information. We also let you know your rights. Each section of this Policy includes helpful examples and simpler language to make our practices easier to understand. We’ve also added links to resources where you can learn more about the privacy topics that interest you.
It's important to us that you know how to control your privacy, so we also show you where you can manage your information in the settings of the Meta Products you use. You can update these settings to shape your experience.
Read the full Policy below.
What information do we collect?
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The information we collect and process about you depends on how you use our Products. For example, we collect different information if you sell furniture on Marketplace than if you post a reel on Instagram. When you use our Products, we collect some information about you even if you don't have an account.
Here's the information we collect:
What if you don’t let us collect certain information?
Some information is required for our Products to work. Other information is optional, but without it, the quality of your experience might be affected.
What if the information we collect doesn’t identify individuals?
In some cases information is de-identified, aggregated, or anonymized by third parties so that it no longer identifies individuals before it’s made available to us. We use this information as described below without trying to re-identify individuals.
Take control
How do we use your information?
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We use information we collect to provide a personalized experience to you, including ads (if we show you ads on Meta Products), along with the other purposes we explain in detail below.
For some of these purposes, we use information across Meta Company Products from the accounts you choose to add to your Accounts Center, and across your devices. The information we use for these purposes is automatically processed by our systems. But in some cases, we also use manual review to access and review your information.
To use less information that’s connected to individual users, in some cases we de-identify or aggregate information or anonymize it so that it no longer identifies you. We use this information in the same ways we use your information as described in this section.
Here are the ways we use your information:
To provide, personalize and improve our Products
We use information we have to provide and improve our Products. This includes personalizing features, content and recommendations, such as your Facebook Feed, Instagram Feed, Stories and ads (if we show you ads on Meta Products). We use information with special protections you choose to provide for these purposes, but not to show you ads.
Read more about how we use information to provide, personalize and improve our Products:
To promote safety, security and integrity
We use information we collect to help protect people from harm and provide safe, secure Products.
To provide measurement, analytics and business services
Lots of people rely on our Products to run or promote their businesses or share content. We help them measure how well their ads and other content, products and services are working.
To communicate with you
We communicate with you using information you've given us, like contact information you've entered on your profile.
To research and innovate for social good
We use information we have, information from researchers and datasets from publicly available sources, professional groups and non-profit groups to conduct and support research.
How is your information shared on Meta Products or with integrated partners?
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On Meta Products
Learn more about the different cases when your information can be shared on our Products:
With integrated partners
You can choose to connect with integrated partners who use our Products. If you do, these integrated partners receive information about you and your activity.
These integrated partners can always access information that’s public on our Products. Learn more about other information they receive and how they handle your information:
Take control
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We don't sell any of your information to anyone, and we never will. We also require partners and other third parties to follow rules about how they can and cannot use and disclose the information we provide.
Here’s more detail about who we share information with:
Partners
Vendors
Service providers
Third parties
Other third parties
We also share information with other third parties in response to legal requests, to comply with applicable law or to prevent harm. Read the Policy.
And if we sell or transfer all or part of our business to someone else, in some cases we’ll give the new owner your information as part of that transaction, but only as the law allows.
How do the Meta Companies work together?
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We are part of the Meta Companies that provide Meta Company Products. Meta Company Products include all the Meta Products covered by this Policy, plus other products like WhatsApp and more.
We share information we collect, infrastructure, systems and technology with the other Meta Companies. Learn more about how we transfer information to other countries.
We also process information that we receive about you from other Meta Companies, according to their terms and policies and as permitted by applicable law. In some cases, Meta acts as a service provider for other Meta Companies. We act on their behalf and in accordance with their instructions and terms.
Why we share across the Meta Companies
Meta Products share information with other Meta Companies:
- To promote safety, security and integrity and comply with applicable laws
- To provide optional features and integrations
- To understand how people use and interact with Meta Company Products
See some examples of why we share.
More resources
What is our legal basis for processing your information, and what are your rights?
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Under applicable data protection law, companies must have a legal basis to process personal data. When we talk about "processing personal data," we mean the ways we collect, use and share your information, as we described in the other sections of this Policy above.
You have the following rights under GDPR and other relevant data protection laws:
How long do we keep your information?
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We keep information as long as we need it to provide our Products, comply with legal obligations or protect our or other’s interests. We decide how long we need information on a case-by-case basis. Here’s what we consider when we decide:
- If we need it to operate or provide our Products. For example, we need to keep some of your information to maintain your account. Learn more.
- The feature we use it for, and how that feature works. For example, messages sent using Messenger’s vanish mode are retained for less time than regular messages. Learn more.
- How long we need to retain the information to comply with certain legal obligations. See some examples.
- If we need it for other legitimate purposes, such as to prevent harm; investigate possible violations of our terms or policies; promote safety, security and integrity; or protect ourselves, including our rights, property or products
In some instances and for specific reasons, we’ll keep information for an extended period of time. Read our Policy about when we may preserve your information.
How do we transfer information?
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How do we respond to legal requests, comply with applicable law and prevent harm?
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We access, preserve, use and share your information:
- In response to legal requests, like search warrants, court orders, production orders or subpoenas. These requests come from third parties such as civil litigants, law enforcement and other government authorities. Learn more about when we respond to legal requests.
- In accordance with applicable law
- To promote the safety, security and integrity of Meta Products, users, employees, property and the public. Learn more.
We may access or preserve your information for an extended amount of time. Learn more.
How will you know the Policy has changed?
We'll notify you before we make material changes to this Policy. You’ll have the opportunity to review the revised Policy before you choose to continue using our Products.
How to contact Meta with questions
You can learn more about how privacy works on Facebook and on Instagram, and in the Facebook Help Center. If you have questions about this Policy, or have questions, complaints or requests regarding your information, you can contact us as described below.
The data controller responsible for your information is Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which you can contact online, or by mail at:
Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
ATTN: Privacy Operations
Merrion Road
Dublin 4
D04 X2K5, Ireland
Contact the Data Protection Officer for Meta Platforms Ireland Limited.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with Meta Platforms Ireland's lead supervisory authority, the Irish Data Protection Commission, or your local supervisory authority.
Legal basis information
Consent
We process information as described below when you have given us your consent to do so, which we may ask through in-product experiences, to enable particular features, or to enable device-based settings. The categories of information we use and why and how they are processed are set out below:
Why and how we process your information | Information categories we use (see 'What Information do we collect?' for more detail on each information category)
The actual information we use depends on your factual circumstances, but could include any of the following: |
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Processing information with special protections that you provide so we can share it with those you choose, to provide, personalise and improve our Products and to undertake analytics. We’ll collect, store, publish and apply automated, or sometimes manual, processing for these purposes. |
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Personalizing ads on the Meta Products: If we show you ads on Meta Products, including Meta Audience Network, depending on your settings, we will use your information across the account(s) in your Accounts Centre to show you ads, including using cookies, to personalize your ads and measure how those ads perform. If we show you ads on Meta Products, our ads system automatically processes information that we've collected and stored associated with you. In accordance with your Ad settings, our ads system uses this information to understand your interests and your preferences and personalize your ads across the Meta Products. Learn more about your Ad settings. Our ads system prioritizes what ad to show you based on what audience advertisers want to reach. Then we match the ad to people who might be interested. Learn more about how our ads system works. Learn more about how we choose the ads that you see. You can change your choice at any time in your “Ad Preferences”. |
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If you decide to add a WhatsApp account to an Accounts Center with other accounts on Meta Company Products: To associate your accounts on Meta Company Products with your WhatsApp account in the same Accounts Center and share your information with WhatsApp. | Note: the list below is about information from Meta. For information that WhatsApp shares with Meta, see the WhatsApp in Accounts Centre Supplemental Privacy Policy.
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Using information from partners, vendors and other third parties to tailor the ads you see: If we show you ads on Meta Products, with your consent we’ll use information that partners, vendors and other third parties provide us about activity off the Meta Products and that we have associated with you to personalize ads that we show you on the Meta Products, and on websites, apps and devices that use our advertising services. We receive this information whether or not you’re logged in or have an account on our Products, see the Cookies Policy for more information. | |
Sharing your contact, profile or other information with third parties upon your request when you use some of our Products. For example, when you direct us we share your email address or other information that you might choose to share with an advertiser so that they can contact you with additional information about a promoted product. The type of third party and categories of information shared depend on the circumstances of what you ask us to share. |
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Collecting information that you allow us to receive through the device-based settings you enable (such as access to your GPS location, camera or photos) which we use to provide the features or services described when you enable the setting. |
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Verifying your identity or account, or helping to protect against suspicious activity including impersonation and identity misuse, using face analysis which may include facial recognition technology if you select it. |
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When we process information that you provide to us based on your consent, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. You also have the right to port that information you provide to us based on your consent. To exercise your rights, visit your device-based settings, and visit the Facebook settings and Instagram settings and our Help Centers.
Performance of a contract
For all people who have the legal capacity to enter into an enforceable contract (for example, by being the age of majority or above in their country of residence), we process information as necessary to conclude and perform our contracts with you (the Meta Terms and Instagram Terms, the Supplemental Meta Platforms Technologies Terms of Service, the Supplemental Portal Terms of Service, the Meta AI Terms of Service and the Supplemental Meta View Terms of Service, together, the “terms"). The purposes for which we process information for our contracts, the categories of information we use and how information is processed are set out below:
Why and how we process your information | Information categories we use (see 'What Information do we collect?' for more detail on each information category)
The actual information we use depends on your factual circumstances, but could include any of the following: |
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Personalising the Meta Products (other than ads): Our systems automatically process information we have collected and stored associated with you and others to assess and understand your interests and your preferences and provide you personalised experiences across the Meta Products in accordance with our terms. This is how we:
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Providing Meta Products: The provision of the Meta Products includes collecting, storing, and, where relevant, sharing, profiling, reviewing and curating, and in some instances not only automated processing but also manual (human) reviewing, to:
We also use information we have to test Meta Products. We use information we collect to:
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Promoting safety, integrity and security on and across the Meta Products: The Meta Products are designed to help ensure the safety, integrity and security of those services and those people who enjoy them. We process information we have associated with you and apply automated processing techniques and, in some instances, conduct manual (human) review to:
For more information on safety, integrity and security generally on Meta Products, visit the Facebook Security Help Center and Instagram Security Tips. |
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To communicate with you: We use information you’ve given us (like contact information on your profile) to send you a communication, like an e-mail or in-product notice, for example:
We also use contact information like your e-mail address to respond when you contact us. |
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Transferring, storing or processing your information globally. We share information we collect globally, both internally across our offices and data centers and externally with our partners, third parties and service providers. Because Meta is global, with users, partners and employees around the world, transfers are necessary to:
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We'll use the information we have to provide these services; if you choose not to provide certain information (other than limited account information which is necessary to create a Facebook account or an Instagram account), your experience using the Meta Products may be affected. For example, you may see less relevant recommendations on the Products, or your use of the Products may be restricted.
When we process information that you provide to us as necessary for concluding or performing our contracts with you, you have the right to port it under the GDPR. To exercise your rights, visit the Facebook settings and Instagram settings, or learn more in our Help Centers.
Compliance with a legal obligation
The categories of information we use, why we process your information based on compliance with a legal obligation and how it’s processed are set out below:
Why and how we process your information | Information categories we use (see 'What Information do we collect?' for more detail on each information category)
The actual information we use depends on your factual circumstances, but could include any of the following:
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For processing information when the law requires it: Where we are under an obligation to disclose information such as, for example, if we receive a valid legal request for certain information (such as an Irish search warrant), we will access, preserve and / or share your information with regulators, law enforcement or others. The way in which the information will be processed depends on the specific circumstances, see How do we respond to legal requests, prevent harm and promote safety and integrity? for more. Information for Law Enforcement Authorities provides information on the operational guidelines law enforcement needs to follow. Examples of Irish and EU laws enforceable in Ireland that could give rise to an obligation requiring us to process the information we hold about you are:
View the current list of laws which are enforceable in Ireland that give rise to a legal obligation for Meta which results in the processing of information. New laws may be enacted or other obligations may become binding on our processing of your information which may require us to process your information and we will update this list from time to time. | The categories of information depend on the specific circumstances of each mandatory request or obligation. Only the information necessary to comply with the relevant legal obligation will be processed. For example, for civil matters, this will typically include limited information (such as contact details and login information). However, depending on the circumstances it could include the following:
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Legitimate interests
We rely on our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of a third party, where they are not outweighed by your interests or fundamental rights and freedoms ("legitimate interests"). The categories of information we use, the legitimate interests relied on and why and how it’s processed are set out below:
Why and how we process your information | Legitimate interests relied on | Information categories we use (see 'What Information do we collect?' for more detail on each information category)
The actual information we use depends on your factual circumstances, but could include any of the following: |
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If you are a registered user of the Meta Products | ||
For people under the age of majority (under 18, in most applicable countries) who have a limited ability to enter into an enforceable contract only, where we may be unable to process your information on the grounds of contractual necessity. | ||
Personalising the Meta Products: Our systems automatically process information we have collected and stored associated with you and others to assess and understand your interests and your preferences and provide you personalised experiences across the Meta Products in accordance with our terms. This is how we:
Learn more about how we use information about you to personalise your experience on and across Meta Products and how we choose the ads that you see. |
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Information from partners, vendors and third parties (other than using partner data to tailor ads to you) |
Providing and improving Meta Products: The provision of Meta Products includes collecting, storing, and, where relevant, sharing, profiling, reviewing and curating, automated processing, and in some instances manual (human) reviewing, to:
We also use information we have to develop, research and test improvements to Meta Products. We use information we collect to:
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Promoting safety, integrity and security on and across the Meta Products: The Meta Products are designed to help ensure the safety, integrity and security of those services and those people who enjoy them. We process information we have associated with you and apply automated processing techniques and, in some instances, conduct manual (human) review to:
For more information on safety, integrity and security generally on the Meta Products, visit the Facebook Security Help Center and Instagram Security Tips. |
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Communicating with you: We use information you have given us (like contact information you’ve entered on your profile) to send you a communication, like an e-mail or in-product notice, for example:
We also use contact information like your email address to respond to you when you contact us. |
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For all people, including those under the age of majority | ||
Providing measurement, analytics and other business services to businesses, and other partners: Our systems automatically, as well as with some manual (human) processing, process information we have collected and stored about you and others. We use this information to:
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If we show you ads on Meta Products: Providing measurement, analytics and other business services to businesses, advertisers and other partners: Our systems automatically, as well as with some manual (human) processing, process information we have collected and stored about you and others. We use this information to:
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Develop and improve artificial intelligence technology (also called AI at Meta) on Meta Products and for third parties. |
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Improve Meta Products by developing new features or updating existing features. We use information we collect to:
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Communicating, engaging and sharing across the Meta Company Products:
| In our interest to provide seamless, consistent and richer, innovative communication, engagement and sharing experiences across Meta Company Products. |
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Business intelligence and analytics:
| In our interest to measure the use of our Products and count the people who interact with our Products in order to inform and improve product direction and development and to enable provision of accurate and reliable reporting. |
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Providing marketing communications to you:
| In our interest to promote Meta Company Products and send our direct marketing. |
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Research and innovate for social good:
Learn more about our research programmes. | In our interest and those of the general public to further the state-of-the-art or academic understanding on important social issues that affect our society and world in a positive way. |
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Anonymising your information In some cases, we anonymise information we have about you, such as your activity on and off our Products, and use the resulting information, for example, to provide and improve our Meta Products, including ads. |
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Share information with others including law enforcement and to respond to legal requests. See How do we respond to legal requests, prevent harm and promote safety and security? for information on when we share information with law enforcement and others. The categories of information we access, preserve, use and share depend on the specific circumstances. For example, responses to legal requests where not compelled by law, will typically include limited information (such as contact details and login information). However, the information we process will depend on the purposes, which could include the following:
Learn more about how we promote safety, security and integrity. | In our interest and the interest of the general public to prevent and address fraud, unauthorised use of the Meta Company Products, violations of our terms or policies, or other harmful or illegal activity; to protect ourselves (including our rights, Meta personnel and property or Meta Products), our users or others, including as part of investigations or regulatory enquiries; or to prevent death or imminent bodily harm. |
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Promote safety, integrity and security in limited circumstances outside of the performance of our contracts with you:
To learn more, visit the Facebook Security Help Centre and Instagram Security Tips. |
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Sharing your contact, profile or other information with third parties upon your request: You may choose to share your contact information, profile information and other data with our partners: The types of partners with whom information is shared depends on the features of our service that you use and the manner in which you choose to use them. For example, you may choose to share your email address, birthday, friends list, hometown or other information with a partner if you choose to connect your Facebook account to their app. |
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For people over the age of majority (18 years or over, in most applicable countries)
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Develop and improve artificial intelligence technology (also called AI at Meta) on Meta Products and for third parties. |
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If we cannot associate you or your device with a registered user of the Meta Products
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Promote safety, integrity and security:
To learn more, visit the Facebook Security Help Centre and Instagram Security Tips. |
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Providing marketing communications to you: We’ll collect and store your information and use it to send marketing communications to you, like an e-mail address. | In our interest to promote Meta Company Products and send our direct marketing. |
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Research and innovate for social good:
Learn more about our research programs. | In our interest and in the interest of the general public to further the state-of-the-art or academic understanding on important social issues that affect our society and world in a positive way. |
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Share information with others including law enforcement and to respond to legal requests. See 'How do we respond to legal requests, prevent harm and promote safety and security?' for information on when we share information with law enforcement and others. The categories of information we access, preserve, use and share depend on the specific circumstances. For example, responses to legal requests where not compelled by law, will typically include limited information (such as contact details and login information). However, the information we process will depend on the purposes, which could include the following:
Learn more about how we promote safety, security and integrity. | In our interest and the interest of the general public to prevent and address fraud, unauthorised use of the Meta Company Products, violations of our terms or policies, or other harmful or illegal activity; to protect ourselves (including our rights, Meta personnel and property or Meta Products), our users or others, including as part of investigations or regulatory enquiries; or to prevent death or imminent bodily harm. |
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Provide and improve our Products: We use information we collect to:
| To improve the Meta Company Products in a consistent manner, to correct technical glitches, and to optimise functionality. |
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To provide, develop and improve artificial intelligence technology (also called AI at Meta) on our Products and for third parties outside of the performance of our contract with you. |
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When we process your information as necessary to pursue our legitimate interests or those of a third party, you have the right to object to, and seek restriction of, such processing; to exercise your right, visit the Facebook settings and the Help Center and Instagram settings.
We will consider several factors when assessing an objection, including: our users' reasonable expectations; the benefits and risks to you, us, other users or third parties; and other available means to achieve the same purpose that may be less invasive and do not require disproportionate effort. Unless we find that we have compelling legitimate grounds for this processing which are not outweighed by your interests or fundamental rights and freedoms or the processing is needed for legal reasons, your objection will be upheld, and we will cease processing your information. To learn more about the circumstances in which an objection may be successful, please visit the Help Center.
If you are under the age of majority in your country and there is no enforceable contract in place, we will take particular account of the fact that you are below the age of majority when conducting our assessment of our legitimate interests and the balancing of your interests and rights. We provide specific protections for people below the age of majority to ensure that they are aware of the risks, consequences, safeguards and rights associated with the processing of their information.
Tasks carried out in the public interest
The purposes for which we anticipate processing your information as a task in the public interest, the processing we undertake, and the information we use is set out below:
Why and how we process your information | Information categories we use (see 'What Information do we collect?' for more detail on each information category)
The actual information we use depends on your factual circumstances, but could include any of the following:
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Undertaking research for social good: We collect, store, combine, analyse and apply automatic processing techniques like aggregation to information as well as manual (human) review as necessary to undertake research and other tasks in the public interest, such as sharing relevant research data with third parties like international organisations and academics both in and outside the EEA. The public interest is required to be laid down in Union law or Member State law or other applicable law to which we are subject. In this case, we rely on Articles 168 and 179 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. |
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To promote safety, integrity and security: In limited fact specific circumstances, we will access, preserve and share your information with regulators, law enforcement or others where necessary to perform a task in the public interest. For example, we might share information with others for the purposes of combatting unlawful or harmful behaviour where it is in the public interest to do so and where the public interest is laid down in Union law or Member State law or other applicable law to which we are subject. In this case, we rely on Section 53 of the Data Protection Act 2018 and Regulation (EU) 2021/1232. |
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When we process your information as necessary for a task carried out in the public interest, you have the right to object to, and seek restriction of, our processing. To exercise your rights, visit the Facebook settings and the Help Center and Instagram settings. In assessing an objection, we will consider several factors, including: our users' reasonable user expectations; the benefits and risks to you, us, other users or third parties; and other available means to achieve the same purpose that may be less invasive and do not require disproportionate effort.
Your objection will be upheld, and we will cease processing your information, unless we find that we have compelling legitimate grounds for this processing which are not outweighed by your interests or fundamental rights and freedoms or the processing is needed for legal reasons. To learn more about the circumstances in which an objection may be successful, please visit the Help Center.
Protection of your vital interests or that of another person
The categories of information we use, why we process your information to protect your vital interests or those of another person and how it’s processed are set out below
Why and how we process your information | Information categories we use (see 'What Information do we collect?' for more detail on each information category)
The actual information we use depends on your factual circumstances, but could include any of the following:
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Protecting the vital interests of you and/or those of another person: We apply automated processing techniques, conduct manual (human) review and share information, including with law enforcement and others, in circumstances where someone’s vital interests require protection, such as in the case of emergencies. These vital interests include protection of your life, physical or mental health, wellbeing or integrity or that of others, and detecting, removing, and reporting illegal content. In protecting such vital interests we aim to combat harmful conduct and promote safety, integrity and security, including, for example, when we are investigating reports of harmful conduct or taking appropriate action, such as sharing information with relevant authorities, when someone needs help. |
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