Facebook Uses Tracking Exploit to Bypass Cookie Block

Facebook and Instagram owner Meta has been accused of tracking users even when they are using VPNs or incognito mode. They have now stopped using a technique that may have breached Google's rules for Android apps, raising serious questions about how far companies are willing to go to bypass privacy controls.

The controversial activity was discovered by computer scientists from Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands. Their findings revealed that both Meta and Russian search engine Yandex used a similar method to monitor users without consent, even when standard privacy measures were in place.

Multi-Site Tracking Exploit

Both Meta and Yandex were found to be using Android apps that leveraged cookies to track user activity across multiple websites. This tactic typically involves embedding components like a "Share to Facebook" button on various sites. When users interact with these elements - or sometimes even just load the page - tracking cookies are deployed, allowing companies to build detailed user profiles for targeted advertising.

The core concern is that this tracking continued even when users cleared cookies, used private browsing modes, or enabled VPNs - actions most people assume will protect their anonymity. The researchers concluded that the tracking behavior took place in contexts where users would "reasonably expect not to be tracked."

How the Exploit Worked

The exploit relied on a technique involving the "loopback interface" - a standard networking feature that allows a device to send data to itself. Quite often the loopback interface is used to ping the local host when testing if the network is functioning.

In this case, the companies exploited loopback to mimic a remote server on the same device. This created confusion in the Android operating system about whether a network request came from a remote source (which would be restricted) or the local device (which is usually trusted). As a result, tracking cookies were issued and read even when they should have been blocked by incognito mode or VPN tunneling.

According to the researchers, this loophole undermined core Android privacy controls - allowing Meta and Yandex to bypass restrictions that would otherwise protect user data.

Unintended Use Violates Privacy Principles

After being alerted to the issue, Google responded by accusing the companies of exploiting Android features "in unintended ways that blatantly violate our security and privacy principles." (Source: sky.com)

Meta responded by framing the issue as a "potential miscommunication regarding the application of [Google] policies" and said it had paused the use of the feature. Yandex also denied wrongdoing, claiming it was compliant with all relevant rules and was not collecting sensitive personal data.

Why it Matters

This discovery raises troubling concerns about the reliability of common privacy tools like incognito mode and VPNs. If large tech companies can bypass these protections through technical loopholes, it puts users at a significant disadvantage - particularly those who rely on such tools for safety, such as journalists, whistleblowers, and political dissidents.

Even more worrying is that this type of behavior goes largely undetected until academic researchers or watchdog organizations bring it to light. Users may falsely believe they are protected when, in reality, their data continues to be harvested behind the scenes.

Not Meta's First Privacy Violation

This isn't the first time Meta has been caught pushing the boundaries of user privacy. From the Cambridge Analytica scandal to the controversial Onavo "VPN" app that secretly tracked user activity, Meta has a long history of exploiting data for commercial gain.

Yandex, too, has previously faced allegations of data collection practices that could compromise user privacy, particularly in relation to its potential ties to the Russian government. These recent findings only add to the suspicion surrounding both companies.

Could This Breach GDPR or Other Laws?

While no official legal action has been announced yet, this type of tracking behavior could fall afoul of strict data protection laws such as Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). If regulators determine that consent was not properly obtained - or that users were misled - Meta and Yandex could face significant fines or further restrictions on their operations.

Whether this results in enforcement action remains to be seen, but the precedent is clear: regulators are increasingly cracking down on deceptive data practices, particularly by repeat offenders.

What Android Users Can Do

If you're concerned about app-based tracking - even while using VPNs or incognito mode - here are a few steps you can take to reduce your exposure:

• Use a privacy-focused browser like Brave or Firefox Focus, which blocks many trackers by default.
• Install tracker-blocking apps like TrackerControl or Blokada (open-source versions are available outside the Play Store).
• Disable background data access for apps that don't need it.
• Regularly clear app cache and storage, not just browser cookies.
• Consider using a privacy-centric Android ROM like GrapheneOS if you're technically inclined.

Timeline of Events

• May 2025: Researchers from Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands finalize study.
• June 3, 2025: Findings published by The Register.
• June 4-5, 2025: Google responds, confirming violation of privacy guidelines.
• June 6, 2025: Meta announces pause of the tracking method. Yandex issues denial.

What's Your Opinion?

Are you surprised by these actions? Should Google penalize Meta for breaking its rules? Should users be able to assume that tools like incognito mode and VPNs will always protect their privacy?