Facebook is a tremendous resource for people all around the world, providing them with a fun environment in which to interact with family and friends in a global setting. However, there are some elements of Facebook that might concern some users. One of these things is the Facebook Beacon. What is this?

In essence, this piece of code works just as the name suggests. It actually tracks Facebook users as they surf the Internet, judging what they do on websites like eBay, Fandango, Overstock.com and many other websites. This information is then sent on to advertisers, enabling these advertisers to market directly to consumers interested in their offerings.

While Beacon is a great program for businesses of all sorts, most consumers don’t like the thought of their online actions being followed and monitored. While originally Beacon could not be opted out of, after considerable ruckus raised by Facebook users, the company now offers a way to turn off Beacon and go about your surfing in privacy. However, you’ll need to take steps on your own to disable this feature, as Facebook doesn’t exactly advertise its presence to those who use the service. Luckily, help can be found online.