Both Facebook and Google+ are competing to use your inputs on their social platforms for endorsing their ads (see article). They provide you with a free service and then use you to sell stuff.
Fortunately, there are mechanisms to opt out, which for most will not be enabled by default.
To opt out of appearing in Google+ Ads
Fortunately, there are mechanisms to opt out, which for most will not be enabled by default.
To opt out of appearing in Google+ Ads
- Go to https://plus.google.com/settings/endorsements
- Un-tick the checkbox that says "Based upon my activity, Google may show my name and profile photo in shared endorsements that appear in ads."
- Click 'Save'
To opt out of appearing in Facebook Ads
- Go to https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=ads
- click the 'Edit' link for 'Ads and Friends'
- under 'Pair my social actions with ads for', choose 'No one'
- Click 'Save Changes'
