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Is Facebook safe to use?

Safe with care

Safe to use with care. Facebook collects a lot of data, and hacked accounts and fake ads are common.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Meta Platforms
Based in
Menlo Park, USA
Encryption
Posts and comments are not encrypted end-to-end; Messenger chats are.
Data it collects
Profile, posts, likes, location, contacts, device data and activity on other sites through Meta tracking.
Minimum age
13+

What keeps you safe

  • Two-factor authentication and login alerts.
  • Detailed privacy settings for every post.
  • Large safety and reporting systems.

Risks to know about

  • Meta has been fined heavily for data handling, including €1.2 billion under GDPR in 2023 and €200 million under the EU Digital Markets Act in April 2025.
  • The 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal led to a $5 billion FTC penalty.
  • Scam ads using fake celebrity endorsements are widespread.

Scams to watch for on Facebook

  • Marketplace scams: fake payment proofs and fake couriers.
  • Ads with deepfaked celebrities promoting investments.
  • Hacked friends asking for money.
  • Fake page "copyright violation" notices that steal logins.

Is Facebook legit?

Facebook is legit. Most risks come from scammers using it and from how much data Meta collects.

Is it safe for kids?

Under-13s are not allowed. Teens get more private defaults.

How to use Facebook safely

  1. Turn on two-factor authentication.

  2. Run Privacy Checkup.

  3. Limit old posts to Friends.

  4. Never pay outside Marketplace's checkout to a stranger.

Where Facebook is restricted

Does a VPN make Facebook safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop Facebook collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs NordVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is Facebook safe to use?

Safe to use with care. Facebook collects a lot of data, and hacked accounts and fake ads are common.

Is Facebook legit?

Facebook is legit. Most risks come from scammers using it and from how much data Meta collects.

Is Facebook encrypted?

Posts and comments are not encrypted end-to-end; Messenger chats are.

What data does Facebook collect?

Profile, posts, likes, location, contacts, device data and activity on other sites through Meta tracking.

Is Facebook safe for kids?

Under-13s are not allowed. Teens get more private defaults.

Does a VPN make Facebook safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on Facebook. It does not stop Facebook itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources