It’s Halloween, a good time to answer a frequently asked question about this scary confirmation box that pops up when you install Facebook Disconnect:
Google Chrome Extensions, like all installable software, can potentially do bad things and the extension gallery displays accordingly dire warning messages. Unlike compiled programs, though, extensions let you easily view their (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) source code to make sure they don’t actually do anything malicious.
Facebook Disconnect triggers a warning because the extension has to inject JavaScript into every page you browse to disable the component Facebook links. There are three ways to get a packaged extension’s code (a topic worthy of its own post), but you can just look in my repository since I’ve open-sourced Facebook Disconnect.
Update (December 3, 2010): If you’d rather take my word for it than read my code — Facebook Disconnect doesn’t store your personal data and never will, unless you opt in to anonymously provide data for diagnostic purposes in the future.
Letters to the Editor
don't look in the repository, look in the code of the actual extension you are downloading!!
Agreed. Examining the live code is best.
http://www.google.com/support/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=113907
This add-on blocks all communication between apps and Facebook, even the ones you want to use. I am discontinuing my use of Google Chrome until I receive instructions on how to remove this add-on.
I found it in tools, extensions, uninstall. If you use any apps in Facebook, this add-on will not allow them to communicate.
That’s what I hear. When Chrome 9 hits the stable channel, I’ll provide an on/off button. Try Disconnect, which also blocks Facebook and has such a button, till then:
https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/jeoacafpbcihiomhlakheieifhpjdfeo
Chrome is a browser (made by Google) like IE and Firefox, except much faster. You can get Chrome at http://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en/landing_chrome.html?hl=en.
Where can I view the code? For improvement if possible.
??
Brian, This a great idea, I will be first to download when you have something for Firefox. I have tried running Chrome but have had issues and tossed it.
is there a linux fire fox version yet?
Or for any linux browser?
Ironic that I should grant this plugin access to my data for it to prevent facebook from accessing the same data! What's the reasoning, between choosing from two evils, choose the one you've never tried before?
Does anyone know if installing Facebook Disconnect plays havoc with some applications in Facebook, especially Puzzled Hearts?
thank!
If you want to help test the Firefox version, email me and I’ll send you a prerelease copy.
Yes, Facebook Disconnect can break apps on Facebook. I’d recommend uninstalling the extension and installing my newer extension, Disconnect, which lets you unblock Facebook and other services in these cases:
http://j.mp/dchrome
Did you read this post?
Of course, I did read the post. And I did mention that I was kidding. No offence meant mate ;)
I wasn’t offended and understand this concern — that’s why I wrote the post and asked if you read it.
The point is Disconnect is transparent: You (or anybody) can look at the code and see exactly what the extension is doing (or more accurately, not) with your data. You can’t do the same with Facebook, Google, Twitter, et cetera.
The Firefox version will be available soon. If you want to help test, email me and I’ll send you a copy now.
I have something for Firefox! If you want to help test, email me and I’ll send you a prerelease copy.
why do you want all my data if you are making an app for stopping data tracking?
If you are really altruistic (and not evil), you should make it such that it does not track my data. my web history, and tabs.
Instead it gives a CREEPY warning... this app can track all your data on all your sites, Web History, and all my open tabs...
what the.............. How ironic.... I am not buying this.
http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Read-PreK-Hooked-Phonics/dp/1601437641
He already answered your question in the post. Learn to read and don't be ignorant.
Is there any help of deleting cookies? Then facebook can't follow the pages I go to.
Both the extensions, Disconnect and Facebook Disconnect, already prevent Facebook from seeing the pages you go to.
is the firefox version out yet? :3
Yep: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/disconnect/.
Strange that people get scared when they get a warning like this one but heedlessly trusts known corporate monsters that smiles while they suck your blood. :)
THANK YOU, SIR. I'll take my hat off.
I installed it and now I'm having trouble with all my apps on facebook.
How do i uninstall it?
Since installing, FB games will not load. I have uninstalled the extensions but the problem persists.
I disabled java on my computer so this probably won't work for me.
Thanks so much for this App Brian. :-)
Regards from Algeria.
Lots of websites use JavaScript to function. If disabling Java disables the script, then this is a bad idea.
how does it work? does it really work?
Since you're "injecting JavaScript" into every page that I browse, will this slow down loading times at all?
Since you have to "inject JavaScript" into every page that I visit, will this have any effect on loading times?
Java and JavaScript are two different things.
Perhaps you should change the warning to a more specific one so you dont have to be so broad and end up having this scary comment? Once you have done this can you please send a message to all users of your app? I would like to keep this app as I dont trust FB!
How do you remove the Facebook cookies that persist for up to two years after you delete your account?
I'm going to ignore F@#kyou's comments and do what the other Susan is doing--INSTALLING your app. Thanks for coming up with it!
Is there a way to add exceptions for certain sites? I find that this extension messes up some facebook apps. Likely because they are off-site but being loaded into facebook via iFrame.
nice man
WOW. Read, and stop bagging people who make great apps.
It appears to disable "Wundermaps" from weather underground.com
Is not acceptable to me, disabled.
I have IE, Firefox & Chrome on my Computer. The MAIN one I use is Chrome. Do I need this for all browsers or just Chrome since that's the one I use???
Is this same feature for Facebook Disconnect in the original newly popularized "Disconnect" chrome extension?
umm i think whats its implying is that is can track data it needs in order to block the facebook parts on other sites? thats my thought.
s