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Comment by mtrn | Hacker News Reader

I am glad, I do not need to worry that much about these things, thanks to my /etc/hosts file[1].

[1] One of many versions: https://gist.github.com/thomasbilk/1506210/2d20f47bbcca75b2f...

If the bits going through your router were the only way Facebook gathered data about you, that would make sense. But it's only one way. You don't even need to have a Facebook account to have a Facebook profile.

So how is Facebook filling up my profile with no input data? They might create a profile based on data my friends publish, but they won't be able to connect it with my IP or my identity.

There's a whole Google full of information on this.

I found none, that's why I'm asking. There is technologically no way to connect me (my browser/phone that sends no information to FB) and my "profile" made up by a few photos of me that my friends have uploaded.

I had tried to implement similar blocks through uBlock Origin and similar browser addons, but this seems to be the most robust method as I use multiple different browsers on my primary computer.

Also, editing a hosts file does nothing on FB's end (which is what this article/discussion covers).

You can use also a local DNS server for your whole home network. If you think it is too much work you can use something ready-made like pi-hole [1]. The nice part is that it will work also for your phone while you're on wifi.

[1] https://pi-hole.net

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