USA Today and the ACLU recently brought to light that Facebook employs tracking methods to monitor your Internet activity, even if you are not logged into Facebook or click the Facebook "Like" button.
Facebook is able to do this because whenever you visit any page on Facebook, the site affixes "cookies" onto your browser, and these cookies inform Facebook whenever you visit a website that contains a "Like" button or other Facebook social-plugins. With the popularity of sites utilizing these social-plugins, Facebook has significant access to your online browsing habits.
The ACLU is currently encouraging people to ask Congress to improve its privacy laws for protection against tracking without our awareness or consent. The Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has pledged that they will launch an investigation into the matter.
Scott Hughes is a criminal defense attorney in Orange County, California practicing in State and Federal Court.