[snarkpup]

But he did say the users are willing accomplices in giving up their private data when they decide to join FB.

Whether one is signed up for Facebook or not is somewhat irrelevant. Do a quick search on the phrase "shadow profile" and then say "WTF?"

Facebook and Google are tips of icebergs. Breaking them up would be like chopping up bindweed. (Gardeners will know what I'm talking about.) The parts would be just as bad. For a list of mini-Facebook-wannabes that are trying to mess with you, follow the following procedure:

1. Install uBlock Origin.

2. Visit several "modern" websites.

3. At each one, click on the uBlock Origin icon to see which blacklisted domains it's blocking.

4. Say "WTF?" one more time.

[Sergio]

Is uBlock Origin a stand alone, or a plug-in for your browser of choice? Thanks for the tip.

[HotHunt]

I have no idea what you are talking about.

What you said might as well be in a foreign language.