If you are like thousands of Chileans, you probably have a Facebook account. Maybe you use it a lot, or maybe you barely use it.

Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, testified before Congress this week to talk about what Facebook is doing to protect its users’ privacy.

When was the last time you checked the ‘Apps and Websites’ section and your privacy settings on Facebook? You should also check your ad preferences. According to Facebook, checking your ad preferences allows you to ‘learn what influences the ads you see and take control of your advertising experience.’

You may have clicked on items posted by friends in the past or given them a ‘like.’ When you did this, you may not realize that your ‘like’ has turned into an ‘interest.’ Check the categories listed under ‘Your Interests.’ You’ll be surprised by what shows up.

Facebook allows you to control how much of your data is shared, including your employer, relationship status, and education. We advise our clients to limit the exposure of their private information on all social platforms.

When advertisers want to target a specific group of customers who, for example, have a certain age and a specific political affiliation or interest, Facebook makes it possible. The things you share and the inferences Facebook makes about you are grouped with data from similar people, names are removed, and they are sold to companies. Then, companies use the data to place ads in front of the people they want to reach.

Facebook is free to use, and they generate revenue by selling ads to businesses and companies around the world. While it’s great to use a free app like Facebook, take the time to check your settings and gain some control over what you’re sharing with the world.

As a law firm, we make recommendations to our clients regarding social media. We recommend changing your privacy settings so that only your friends can see what you post. Never accept a friend request from someone you don’t know.

Before posting anything, think carefully. Once you share something on any digital service, your personal information is no longer under your control.