Caution: New ‘Link History’ Pop-Up Requires Facebook Settings Check

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Tech powerhouse Meta is on a mission to gather as much data as it ca via targeted advertising. There is a new pop-up, and it’s asking for your “link history.” Intrigued to learn more? Keep reading below.

Navigating Cyber Adventures

A new push notification doing the rounds is prompting users of the following: “Easily get back to recent links you’ve visited with your Facebook browsing activity now saved in one place.”

According to the tech specialists at Meta, this new feature is called “Link history.” It’s like a diary of your cyber adventures, showcasing the websites you’ve surfed on the Facebook Mobile Browser over the last 30 days. The good news is, you’re in control. Meta assures you that you can flick the switch on or off for link history at any time. Your data, your choice.

A Chronicle of Facebook’s Mobile Browser

When you’ve got link history switched on, any links you tap within Facebook and explore in Facebook’s Mobile Browser will be stored here for 30 days.

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Interestingly, links you visit in the chat wonderland of Messenger won’t be part of this history book.

Empower Your Digital Journey

Here’s how to retain control of your digital trail! Here’s your step-by-step guide on toggling that “Link history” switch:

  1. Open your Facebook app and tap any link to open Facebook’s Mobile Browser.
  2. Three little dots in the bottom right corner: tap on “Go to Settings.”
  3. To turn on link history, tap the icon next to “Allow link history.” Confirm your choice with a tap on “Allow.”
  4. If you want to turn link history off, tap the same icon next to “Allow link history.” Confirm your decision by tapping “Don’t allow.”

When you do this, your link history gets an instant wipe, and you won’t see any visited links anymore. Plus, Facebook won’t keep or use your link history for ads across Meta technologies.

Quick note: Turning off link history might take up to 90 days for Meta to wrap up the deletion process.

2,000-Year-Old Glassware Was Recovered From an Old Roman Shipwreck

Thousands of pieces of glassware were recently recovered by archaeologists from a 2,000-year-old ancient Roman shipwreck, and many of the pieces were perfectly preserved. The shipwreck is located 1,148 feet below in the waters between France and Italy and is now known as the Capo Corso 2.

Ancient Glassware in a Shipwreck

A 2,000-Year-Old Glassware Was Recovered from an Old Roman Shipwreck
Ancient Glassware in a Shipwreck

Capo Corso 2 lies on the surface between Italy’s Capraia island and France’s Cap Corso peninsula. According to Italy’s National Superintendency for Underwater Cultural Heritage, marine archaeologists from both France and Italy teamed up and explored the wreckage in early July. Other researchers also took part in the study of the wreck, including experts specializing in ancient glassware, underwater conservation, and marine ecology.

The wreck was discovered back in 2012 by engineer Guido Gay. Archaeologists then completed the initial survey of the site a year later, in 2013, and went back a second time for more analysis in 2015. This summer, a team of international researchers revisited the wreck using the remotely operated vehicles called Arthur and Hilarion. The vehicles conducted thorough scans of the site and looked for changes that may have occurred within the wreck over time. Researchers also used Arthur’s mounted claw system and recovered some artifacts from the wreck.

The Wreck Was a Roman Ship

The Wreck Was a Roman Ship

The remotely operated vehicle Arthur pulled out some Bronze Age amphorae, two bronze basins, and notably, a large collection of glass tableware objects. The glassware included cups, bowls, bottles, and plates. The archaeologists took those artifacts to an Italian laboratory where further study and restoration will be done.

The team also discovered raw glass blocks on the ship, which were found in various sizes among the wreck. Based on the glassware, the researchers have concluded that the ship was traveling from a Middle East port – like Syria or Lebanon – and was likely heading toward the French Provençal coast.

The Wreck Was a Roman Ship

While artifact recovery is certainly great for the researchers, they also wanted to assess the biological state of the wreck. This interest was due to the fact that shipwrecks often become artificial reefs where sea life takes over after a period of time. The wrecks of ships are great for thriving ecosystems where marine organisms can attach themselves to their surfaces.

According to archaeologists, the wreck can be dated to the end of the first century or the beginning of the second century CE. More information about it will certainly be uncovered as the study of the recovered artifacts continues. Ultimately, the wreck should help the team reconstruct a page in the history of the Mediterranean trade, especially considering its exceptional nature.