[nnd]

Even though Facebook by itself doesn't seem to provide much value anymore, it's incredible how much of a platform lock-in the have. For example, Facebook login becoming essentially a universal identity provider. The worst thing is even when you create a new account under a different name they still manage to track you down, and start suggesting adding friends from the old account. I wonder how they do this, by tracking cookies and fingerprinting your browser?

[dxhdr]

It's interesting how identifiable you are just by compounding information provided by the browser: https://amiunique.org/fp

Browser fingerprint plus IP and/or geo location and I'd think you could get a fairly accurate guess of who you are.

[nazka]

Interesting link. You can go even deeper with more data like resolution of your screen etc... And almost be able to track someone. It's kind of crazy.

There is a JS project based on that and that gives you an ID based on the fingerprint. [1]

[1] https://github.com/Valve/fingerprintjs2

Edit: I just saw that the link provide even more data like this. Just my list of font is a > 99.9% of uniqueness. Multiplied by all the other likelihood, it's getting close to having the signature of every person on internet.

[spraak]

I've wondered this too. I have friend suggestions for my work colleagues, even though my Facebook email is my own private address and I've never emailed them from that address. It's amazing and bothersome

[sdiepend]

Have you used it on mobile and shared your contacts? Might they have had access to your location(GPS or maybe to which wifi you're connected).

Interesting article: http://fusion.net/story/339018/facebook-psychiatrist-privacy...

[funkyy]

Or they just suggest people based on common locations that you and they visit and where they spend their time.

[spraak]

The mobile app's contacts seems very likely. I didn't realize it would spy on those, but not surprising.

[ma2rten]

The people who were recommended to you might have looked at your profile.

[renaudg]

You've probably shared an IP address (work).

[spraak]

That one is highly unlikely, as I work remotely

[rhizome]

Can't use Tinder after you disable your FB account.

[Arizhel]

>For example, Facebook login becoming essentially a universal identity provider.

Yep, this is the #1 reason I still have a FB account. Until recently, I needed it so I could use Tinder. I have a great gf now, but just in case that fails, I'll want to be able to reactivate my Tinder account, and I need my FB login for that.

The only other reason I have a FB account is so I can be "friends" with some family members and some other people, because they use it. In practice, however, I never actually look at anything on there unless someone tells me "I sent you a FB message about such-and-such!".