There, that being said, local Liberty and Freedom groups are warning that Facebook is, as of 12/20, changing their policies to include gathering every ounce of information from our devices including facial recognition from the camera, sms messages, and google searches.

I hate to piss on your corn flakes but Tracebook has been doing all of that since day one. They're now admitting to it but lying saying it starts in a few days. 

I know most here on Cathinfo don’t use Facebook and discourage others from using it. I have a page for local information gathering and selling locally here in my town as well. I don’t have any friends or family on my Facebook. I don’t share selfies or recipes or frivolous things. I really do rely on Facebook for selling items locally (no other selling avenue is available for me other than two which are both FB based. Also I follow my local mayor (he’s excellent) and a few encouraging groups for local news and info.
There, that being said, local Liberty and Freedom groups are warning that Facebook is, as of 12/20, changing their policies to include gathering every ounce of information from our devices including facial recognition from the camera, sms messages, and google searches.
Now for the record, I’m no techie, and I don’t have a clear idea on how much info is being gathered already, so can someone help me figure out how to work this thing so I can keep that lifeline open, but still maintain some level of privacy?
I know everyone wishes the company Facebook would already tank, and ASAP, but it really is where a majority of local information and people are gathered to share important news and local info.  
Any ideas from the techies?

Anyone still on FB is an idiot. Moreover, you're feeding the Beast by remaining there. Starve the enemy, don't sustain it.