Social Media Data Security: Which Platforms Are Safest?

In today's digital age, social media platforms have become an indispensable part of our lives. But while we share our thoughts, experiences, and even personal information online, concerns about data security are growing. A recent study by Incogni, a company specializing in personal data removal, has ranked social media platforms based on how securely they handle user data, providing valuable insights for those concerned about their online privacy.

Surprising Findings: Less Popular Platforms Often Rank Higher

The findings of the study are surprising, revealing that less popular platforms often rank higher in terms of data security than the giants we use every day. Facebook and LinkedIn, for example, landed in the bottom three of the ranking. Incogni questioned their data storage practices, with Facebook having the weakest privacy protections overall.

Facebook's Data Retention Practices Raise Concerns

One of the key concerns highlighted by the study is Facebook's data retention policy. Despite user expectations that data is immediately erased upon account deletion, Facebook stores user data for up to six months after deletion. This practice could leave user data vulnerable to breaches or theft, including photos, videos, messages, financial information, and health data.

Comparing Data Retention Policies Across Platforms

While Facebook keeps data for six months, other platforms have varying retention periods. Telegram, for example, only stores data for one day after account deletion. Here's a breakdown of data retention policies for other popular platforms:

• YouTube, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Discord: 6 months
• WhatsApp, Twitch, Reddit: 90 days
• Snapchat: 60 days
• TikTok, X (Twitter): 30 days
• LinkedIn, Pinterest: Less than a month

The Complexity of Data Deletion Processes

Beyond data retention, the study also examined the complexity of data deletion processes. Some platforms, like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger, require six steps to delete an account, while others, like TikTok, Telegram, and Discord, only need two. This complexity can make it challenging for users to completely erase their data.

Data Breaches and Transparency

The study also considered the number of data breaches experienced by each platform. Since 2012, LinkedIn has suffered four data breaches, followed by X (Twitter) and Facebook with two breaches each. Transparency regarding data access by governments and user access to information was another area of concern, with LinkedIn scoring poorly in this regard.

Social Media Security Risk Ranking

Based on these criteria, Incogni ranked 15 popular social media platforms based on their data security risk, with higher scores indicating greater risk:

1. Facebook: 18.98 points
2. Facebook Messenger: 16.51 points
3. LinkedIn: 16.13 points
4. Instagram: 15.84 points
5. X (Twitter): 15.20 points
6. TikTok: 14.25 points
7. YouTube: 13.64 points
8. WhatsApp: 13.01 points
9. Twitch: 11.05 points
10. Telegram: 10.93 points
11. Quora: 10.60 points
12. Discord: 10.50 points
13. Pinterest: 10.49 points
14. Snapchat: 9.99 points
15. Reddit: 8.9 points

Exploring More Private Social Media Alternatives

The study highlights the fact that popular social media platforms may not be the most secure options for users concerned about their data privacy. Fortunately, more private alternatives like Mastodon, Nostr, and Matrix offer better social experiences, are ad-free, and are more protective of user privacy. While these platforms may not have achieved the same level of popularity as their mainstream counterparts, they represent a promising alternative for users seeking greater control over their online data.

Protecting Your Data on Social Media

While choosing a platform with strong data security practices is important, users can take additional steps to protect their data. Here are a few tips:

• Use strong passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for each social media account, and consider using a password manager to securely store them.
• Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email when logging in.
• Limit the information you share: Be mindful of the personal information you share on your profiles and in posts. Consider limiting the visibility of certain posts or restricting access to your information.
• Review your privacy settings: Regularly check your privacy settings and adjust them to limit the data you share and who can access your information.
• Be cautious of third-party apps: Avoid granting access to apps that request unnecessary permissions or seem suspicious. Carefully review the permissions you're granting to apps.
• Stay informed about data breaches: Monitor news sources and security alerts for information about data breaches that might affect the social media platforms you use.

Conclusion: Taking Charge of Your Data Privacy

In a world where our data is increasingly valuable, understanding the data security practices of social media platforms is crucial. While some platforms may offer more privacy protections than others, it's important to be proactive and take steps to secure your data. By choosing platforms with strong security measures, using strong passwords, and regularly reviewing your privacy settings, you can help protect your online privacy and control your digital footprint.

Remember, your data is your own, and you have the right to know how it's being used and protected.