Facebook Platform Policy

Developers creating applications or services that interact with Facebook's infrastructure must adhere to a set of clearly defined rules to ensure security, transparency, and ethical data use. These rules regulate how apps collect, use, and share user data, as well as how they present themselves to users on the platform.
- Only request permissions necessary for your app's core functionality.
- Clearly inform users about how their data will be used.
- Respond promptly to platform audits and inquiries.
Misuse of access tokens, storing data without encryption, or misleading users about intent may lead to removal of app access or permanent suspension.
In order to maintain a trustworthy environment, Facebook enforces a strict compliance framework. Developers are expected to align with user expectations and legal standards, including third-party review processes and timely updates on app changes.
- Submit your app for review before accessing sensitive APIs.
- Update privacy policies in line with any functional changes.
- Promptly address user-reported issues or policy violations.
Requirement | Description | Enforcement |
---|---|---|
User Consent | Clearly disclose data usage and obtain permission | Mandatory before data collection |
Data Retention | Store data only as long as necessary | Subject to audit |
Security Measures | Encrypt and safeguard personal information | Reviewed during compliance checks |
How to Verify Your App for Facebook Platform Access
Before your application can interact with Facebook’s tools and data, you must complete a structured verification process. This ensures that your app complies with data usage regulations and serves a legitimate purpose aligned with Facebook’s platform requirements.
The verification procedure includes submitting specific details about your app’s function, requesting necessary permissions, and providing materials such as privacy policies and demonstration videos. Facebook uses this process to evaluate whether your application handles data responsibly and offers transparent functionality to users.
Step-by-Step Process for App Verification
- Navigate to the App Dashboard and select your application.
- Go to App Review > Permissions and Features.
- Choose only those permissions your app strictly needs.
- Provide thorough explanations and real-use screenshots for each permission.
- Upload a public link to your app's privacy policy.
- Submit a video walkthrough demonstrating the app's core functions.
Important: Your video must show live interaction with the app, including login, permission prompts, and usage of each requested feature.
- Ensure your business information is up to date and verified in Business Manager.
- Review the data handling policies to match Facebook’s data protection expectations.
- Use test users to demonstrate how permissions are requested during app use.
Requirement | Needed For |
---|---|
Business Verification | Apps requesting access to advanced permissions |
Privacy Policy | All apps interacting with user data |
Feature Demonstration Video | Apps under review for any data-sensitive permissions |
Tip: The approval process may take several business days. Ensure all submitted materials are complete and consistent to avoid delays.
Steps to Ensure Data Privacy Compliance in Your App
Applications integrated with social platforms must actively manage how user information is collected, processed, and stored. To align with current platform requirements, developers should implement precise access controls and provide transparency on how personal data is utilized.
Clear documentation, secure storage mechanisms, and explicit user consent are key areas of focus. By following structured steps, developers can minimize the risk of data misuse and maintain access to platform tools and APIs.
Implementation Guide
-
Limit Data Collection:
- Request only the permissions needed for app functionality.
- Avoid storing data fields that are not actively used.
-
Establish Secure Data Handling:
- Encrypt user information both in transit and at rest.
- Restrict database access to essential personnel only.
-
Obtain Explicit Consent:
- Provide a clear explanation of data usage before requesting access.
- Maintain logs of user consent and update them with any changes in policy.
Regularly audit your data usage to ensure that all operations align with the platform’s user information usage guidelines. Failing to do so may result in loss of access to development tools.
Requirement | Action |
---|---|
Minimize data scope | Use app review to justify permission usage |
Protect user data | Apply strong encryption protocols |
Respect user choices | Include opt-out options and consent tracking |
Managing Access to User Data in Compliance with Facebook's Rules
When integrating with Facebook’s ecosystem, developers must follow specific procedures for acquiring and handling user data. Any feature that accesses profile details, friend lists, or other personal information must be justified, and the user must be clearly informed about the scope of the access request. It is critical to obtain the appropriate level of permission for each feature, avoiding unnecessary or overly broad data collection.
Permission requests must be transparent and tied directly to the app's core functionality. Users should understand why data is being requested, and developers must use that data only for the disclosed purpose. Facebook regularly audits apps for compliance and may revoke access if permissions are misused or improperly requested.
Steps for Proper Permission Handling
- Identify the minimum data required to deliver core functionality.
- Request only the permissions necessary for those features.
- Explain each permission in the login dialog via the auth_type parameter where needed.
- Monitor permission use and remove unnecessary access as functionality changes.
- Use App Review for any permissions beyond public_profile, email, and user_friends.
- Renew long-term tokens securely and store them according to platform security standards.
Failure to comply with Facebook’s permission rules may result in access restrictions, user complaints, or full app suspension.
Permission | Required For Review | Typical Use Case |
---|---|---|
user_posts | Yes | Displaying a user’s timeline in the app |
user_location | Yes | Providing location-based services |
No | Account creation and login |
Common Reasons for Facebook App Rejection and How to Avoid Them
Submitting an app for Facebook review can often result in rejection if certain guidelines are not carefully followed. Understanding the frequent causes of denial helps streamline the approval process and ensures compliance with Facebook’s platform requirements. This guide outlines key pitfalls developers encounter and offers actionable solutions to prevent setbacks.
By addressing these common issues early, developers can save time and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with Facebook’s review team. Properly configuring permissions, providing clear instructions, and adhering to data policies are essential steps to ensure your app meets Facebook’s standards.
Frequent Rejection Causes and Prevention Tips
- Insufficient App Details: Incomplete app descriptions or missing functionality demos.
- Unauthorized Permissions: Requesting permissions beyond what the app requires without proper justification.
- Non-compliance with Data Policies: Failure to outline data usage or provide privacy policies.
- Poor User Experience: Bugs, broken links, or unclear navigation during app testing.
Ensure that all app functionality is clearly demonstrated in a screencast or through step-by-step instructions to avoid misunderstandings during the review process.
- Review and document all requested permissions with explicit use cases.
- Prepare a privacy policy URL and ensure it is accessible.
- Test the app thoroughly to identify and resolve bugs before submission.
- Include a comprehensive walkthrough for reviewers to replicate core features.
Issue | Resolution |
---|---|
Incomplete app information | Provide detailed descriptions and working demo content |
Unnecessary permission requests | Limit permissions to essential functionality with clear justifications |
Privacy policy violations | Implement and link a valid privacy policy compliant with data regulations |
Functional errors during review | Conduct comprehensive QA testing before submission |
How to Monitor and Limit API Usage Under Facebook’s Rules
To ensure compliance with Facebook’s integration requirements, developers must actively track how their applications interact with the platform. This includes observing call frequency, response behavior, and data usage patterns. Excessive or unregulated activity may trigger automated restrictions or lead to revocation of access tokens.
Effective API management involves both real-time oversight and preemptive controls. Implementing automated rate-limiters, reviewing usage reports, and adjusting permissions can prevent policy violations and maintain a stable connection to Facebook’s services.
Key Actions to Stay Within Platform Limits
- Track Request Volume: Use Facebook's App Dashboard to analyze API call metrics per endpoint.
- Set Throttling Rules: Configure internal rate-limiters to enforce per-user or per-token request caps.
- Audit Access Tokens: Regularly validate which users and systems are calling APIs and adjust scopes as needed.
- Log every API interaction and analyze trends weekly.
- Implement alerting for spikes in usage or failed calls.
- Revoke unused tokens and restrict access to sensitive endpoints.
Control Type | Description | Recommended Frequency |
---|---|---|
API Call Review | Check volume and error rates per endpoint | Weekly |
Token Access Audit | Remove or modify unused or risky tokens | Monthly |
Rate-Limiting Rules | Limit number of requests by IP, user, or app | Real-time |
Frequent API misuse or failure to control request flow may result in limited access, data loss, or permanent app deactivation by Facebook.
Integrating Facebook Login in Compliance with Platform Guidelines
To integrate Facebook authentication correctly, developers must follow specific rules to avoid violating Facebook's terms. This includes ensuring transparent data usage and offering clear user control over shared information. Misuse or failure to inform users properly can lead to app restrictions or removal.
Applications must request only the data necessary for core functionality. Any extended data access or off-platform usage must be clearly justified and explained to users within the app's interface. Consent must be actively obtained and easily revocable.
Key Compliance Actions
- Display a clear explanation of what data will be accessed and how it will be used.
- Request only the permissions essential for your app's functionality.
- Enable users to revoke access and manage their data from within your app or redirect them to their Facebook settings.
Important: Do not store user data beyond its intended purpose or use it for unauthorized advertising, profiling, or selling to third parties.
- Set up the Facebook Login SDK using official documentation.
- Test all permission requests using a Facebook Test User account.
- Submit your app for review if requesting advanced permissions (e.g., user_friends, email).
Permission | Usage Example | Requires Review |
---|---|---|
public_profile | Personalize user interface | No |
User account creation | Yes | |
user_friends | Social features (e.g., friend leaderboard) | Yes |
How to Properly Handle Requests for User Data Deletion
Managing user data deletion requests in accordance with Facebook's platform policies is essential to maintain privacy and trust. It is important to implement procedures that allow for efficient handling of these requests while ensuring full compliance with legal and policy requirements. This process should prioritize transparency and user control over their personal data.
Effective management of data deletion requests starts with clear communication, a structured process, and timely execution. Companies should ensure that all personnel are trained to handle such requests efficiently and in line with both platform and legal standards.
Key Steps in Managing Deletion Requests
- Verify the identity of the user requesting deletion to prevent unauthorized actions.
- Review the scope of data to be deleted based on the user's request.
- Execute deletion through the appropriate channels, ensuring all related data is permanently removed.
- Inform the user of the successful deletion and provide any relevant information about data recovery or retention policies.
Important Considerations for Data Deletion
Ensure the deletion process is irreversible, protecting users' privacy and preventing unauthorized data recovery.
Data Deletion Flow
- Submit a data deletion request via the platform's user interface.
- Confirm the request through a verification method (e.g., email confirmation).
- Delete user data following platform guidelines, ensuring no retention of unnecessary information.
- Notify the user about the deletion and provide a confirmation of action taken.
Potential Data Retention Exceptions
In some cases, certain data may be retained for legal or business purposes, even after a user request for deletion.
Data Type | Retention Reason |
---|---|
Account-related data | Legal obligations or active litigation |
Transaction history | Financial regulations and audits |