The Social Media Privacy Checklist for 2026

Picture this: Sarah shares a family holiday snap on Instagram. Months later, targeted ads pop up everywhere, using that exact photo to sell her holiday gear. Her details ended up with data brokers, sold without her nod. Stories like hers happen too often. But in 2026, things shift. California rolls out tough rules from January, like AB 656 for simple delete buttons on big platforms. Users get easy opt-outs from data sales, plus youth safeguards and Global Privacy Control support.

These changes spread influence. States push platforms to wipe data fast and block tricks. Platforms must label AI chatbots and curb tracking near clinics. It’s a win for control. This social media privacy checklist for 2026 walks you through it all. Follow these steps to lock down your accounts on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and more. Stay safe without missing the fun.

Governor Newsom signed key bills last year, as detailed in the official announcement. They kick in strong this year.

Key 2026 Laws That Give You More Control Over Your Data

New rules hand power back to you. Platforms face fines if they hide delete options or use confusing designs. Data brokers must register and honour wipe requests. Kids get pop-up warnings on heavy use. You spot these changes in app settings soon. Life online feels lighter when your info stays yours.

Take AB 656. Sites earning over $100 million yearly add a clear “Delete Account” button. Click it, and your data vanishes within 45 days under CCPA rules. No login cancels the request. SB 243 hits chatbots: they label as AI, block harm talk, and warn for kids. SB 361 forces brokers to list data and delete on demand. Prep now beats hassle later. These laws paint a picture of apps that respect your “no”.

Benefits hit home. One-click opt-outs stop ad floods. Full deletes erase old posts and profiles. Youth rules curb endless scrolls. Across the US, expect ripple effects as firms comply nationwide.

California’s Tough New Rules for Platforms and Brokers

California leads the pack. AB 656 bans dark patterns on sites like Facebook or TikTok. Hunt the settings menu for that delete button; it triggers total data wipe, including backups. Platforms must make it plain, no buried links or fine print.

SB 361 targets data brokers. These firms sell your name, location, even biometrics. They register by late January and face daily fines for ignored deletes. Use the state’s DROP tool to opt out from hundreds at once. SB 243 labels companion AI bots; they block self-harm prompts and show kid warnings every three hours. Spot geofencing bans near clinics too, no health tracking there. Test it: ask a bot its nature upfront.

For details on broker rules, check this CPPA registry guide.

Rules from Other States You Should Know About

California sets the pace, but others follow close. Indiana and Kentucky enforce full privacy acts with opt-outs and portability. Connecticut and Oregon require Global Privacy Control honouring; enable it in your browser for site-wide “do not sell” signals.

Utah lets you grab and move your data easily. Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia shield youth with age checks and limits. New York curbs AI in kids’ ads. These build a wider net. Platforms tweak apps for all states, so you benefit everywhere.

Prep matches 2026 shifts. Indiana’s law demands clear consent; check app notices. Connecticut fines GPC ignores up to thousands. Utah portability means export buttons work smooth. Youth rules in Texas block under-18 sign-ups without parents. New York’s ad bans hit manipulative bots. US impact grows as firms standardise. You live freer, data in check.

Your Simple Checklist to Boost Privacy on Every Platform

Ready to act? This checklist fits Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and Snapchat. Do one step weekly. Platforms update for 2026 laws, so features appear clear. Try this today: scan settings for new buttons. Share less, control more. Your digital trail shrinks fast.

Step 1: Review privacy settings and enable opt-outs. Open each app’s account section. Toggle off data sharing and personalised ads. Turn on Global Privacy Control in Chrome or Firefox extensions. It sends “no sell” to sites automatically. Platforms must obey soon.

Step 2: Test the delete account button. Find it under “Your Account” or “Privacy”. Click and confirm; data erases fully. Instagram hides it deep? Scroll to bottom. TikTok labels it bold now, thanks to AB 656.

Step 3: Set kid limits and watch warnings. For family accounts, add parental controls. Apps pop “mental health” alerts after three hours for under-17s. Block chats with strangers.

Step 4: Export data, spot tricks, report issues. Download your info first via “Your Data”. Hunt dark patterns like fake “no” buttons. File complaints with state AGs if needed.

Enable Opt-Outs and Tweak Settings First

Start here. Go to browser settings; add GPC. It blocks sales across sites. In apps, hit “Privacy Checkup”. Facebook has it front-page; disable face recognition. Instagram: pause activity status. TikTok: private all posts. Opt out of data brokers via app links or state tools. Takes five minutes per platform. Locks ads tight.

Hunt Down and Hit That Delete Account Button

No more mazes. AB 656 forces plain paths. Facebook: Settings > Accounts Center > Delete. Full wipe hits posts, likes, data. Avoid tricks; ignore “keep data” prompts. Demand proof of delete in 45 days. Test on a dummy account first. Gone forever, peace returns.

Watch for Kid Warnings and Set Family Limits

New pop-ups save time. Under-17s see Surgeon General notes after three hours, then hourly. Black screen, white text, 10 seconds firm. Set daily caps in Family Center on Meta apps. Snapchat adds age gates. Block bots pushing harm. Parents: link accounts, approve friends. Kids scroll smarter.

Spot Tricks, Export Data, and Report Problems

Dark patterns trick eyes: red “cancel”, green “keep”. Pause, read twice. Export data via “Download Your Information”; TikTok zips videos, chats. Portable under Utah rules too. See issues? Report to California CPPA or your AG. Brokers ignore? Use DROP for mass opt-outs. Stay vigilant; habits build safety.

Common Mistakes to Dodge and Long-Term Habits

People overshare birthdays or locations, fueling brokers. Old posts linger; scrub yearly. Chats leak sensitive bits like addresses. Switch to private accounts; approve followers only.

Don’t skip exports before deletes. Laws push data minimisation; share bare minimum. Habit: monthly privacy scan, 10 minutes. Use VPNs for public Wi-Fi. Delete unused apps. In 2026, these keep you ahead. Picture clean feeds, no ghosts from past posts.

Tie to laws: AB 361 demands broker lists, so check often. Youth? Enforce limits firm.

Conclusion

This checklist arms you against 2026 risks. Easy deletes, opt-outs, kid warnings put control in your hands. California laws spark nationwide change; platforms adapt fast.

Start now: tweak one app’s settings today. Enjoy posts without worry. Share your wins below or subscribe for tech updates. Safe scrolling awaits.