A social media shadow profile refers to a collection of data that social media platforms gather about individuals who may not even have accounts on those platforms. This data is often collected indirectly, through interactions with users who do have accounts. For instance, when users share contact information, email addresses, or phone numbers, social media companies may use that information to build profiles of people who haven’t signed up for the service.

Key elements of a shadow profile include:

• Contact information: Collected from users’ address books or contact lists.
• Behavioral data: Gathered from browsing activities, even if the individual doesn’t interact with the platform directly (via cookies or tracking pixels).
• Social connections: Inferred based on who knows whom, common email addresses, or mutual acquaintances.

Shadow profiles raise privacy concerns because individuals typically have little control or awareness of how their data is collected or used. Social media platforms use these profiles for targeted advertising and to encourage non-users to join the platform.

Learn more: https://techxplore.com/news/2023-09-shadow-profiles.html