The Secret Service has used a technology called Locate X which uses location data harvested from ordinary apps installed on phones. Because users agreed to an opaque terms of service page, the Secret Service believes it doesn't need a warrant.
They will justify what they want. The rules are made up, and the laws don't matter.
I've made my peace with the eventual gestapo knock on my door. If you haven't, just stop using social media entirely but it's probably to late if you can see this.
Even not having an account is enough I would guess (I'm no computer wizard). Even wizards screw up a spell now and again (thanks computer wizards for your community service, I do love gaming a shitton and lemmy is Hella rad)
IP addresses linked to threads opened, comments sections browsed can be used to create a profile by some dipshit AI programmed by some dipshit. Zero social media is the only way. Just don't look at it.
Opting out of social media these days is considered inherently suspicious. It definitely came up the last time I had to undergo a background check for work.
I have a LinkedIn account. It has the list of recent jobs I’ve held and my education.
That’s my social media presence.
Things like Lemmy are my secondary presence that I keep anonymous.
It’s never been an issue during my background checks. But then, if anyone ever dared to ask me about my lack of presence, I’d give them a level stare and tell them that I practice what I preach.
I didn't agree to shit. If I did agree it was probably because some company twisted my arm and didn't offer a more respectable service that doesn't gobble up every bit of data to resell possible. Probably through every mobile carrier.