Facebook rolls out “Link History” feature on mobile, here’s what it does (Messenger chats are excluded)

Meta is rolling out a new feature to Facebook mobile – Link History – and you may not see it on your device right now, but at some point you will definitely see it.

This feature is being introduced globally over time and may not be available in your region. Link history is available on the Facebook app for Android and iPhone.

This is what the Meta Help Center Information Page said. Additionally, it states that this link history can be disabled or enabled.

As The edge In summary, if you enable link history, Meta will be able to show you a list of links you clicked and viewed in the app's browser over the last 30 days.

GizmodoThe report goes into more detail and states that link history is enabled by default and the data is used for targeted ads. Lawmakers around the world are crafting tough new tech regulations every day, and Meta is looking for new ways to “preserve its data collection empire.”

With the Link History feature, you'll “never lose a link again,” Facebook says in a pop-up encouraging users to consent to the new tracking method. The company mentions that “When you allow link history, we may use your information to improve your meta ads.”

Are Messenger chats affected?

The Meta Help Center information page says – no, it doesn't: “Links visited in Messenger chats are not saved in link history.”

You can choose to enable or disable link history at any time. When link history is enabled, all links you clicked in Facebook and visited in Facebook's mobile browser will be saved here for 30 days.

“Keep in mind that when link history is enabled, we may use Facebook mobile browser link history information to improve your metatech ads. Learn more about how we use information in our privacy policy,” another post on the page reads.

Here's how to enable or disable link history according to Meta's steps:

1. Tap any link in the Facebook app to open the Facebook mobile browser.
2. Tap the 3-dot icon at the bottom right, then tap Go to Settings.
3. To enable link history, tap the button next to Allow link history, then tap Allow to confirm.
4. To turn off link history, tap the button next to Allow link history, then tap Don't allow to confirm.

Note: When you turn off link history, we will immediately clear your link history and you will no longer be able to see the links you have visited. Additionally, we will not save your link history or use it to improve your meta ads. When you disable link history, Meta may take up to 90 days to complete the deletion process.