Tag: Facebook

  • Facebook Accused of Spying on Users Even When App Is Closed

    Facebook Accused of Spying on Users Even When App Is Closed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Facebook is facing controversy for how it manages personal information, specifically regarding data transfer from Google Chrome to the Facebook app.
    2. Facebook’s tracking tools collect unique browser identifiers, allowing access to users’ complete browsing history, even in private mode or after deleting cookies.
    3. Over 5.8 million websites use the tracking tool “Pixel Meta,” with a similar method employed by Yandex on over 3 million sites.
    4. The tracking technique violates Android’s usage regulations, and Google has confirmed that measures are being taken to address the issue.
    5. Meta attributed the issue to a “communication error” with Google policies, while Yandex claims it does not collect sensitive information.

    Facebook is currently embroiled in a significant controversy regarding the way it manages personal information. Several specialists from the IMDEA Networks Institute have discovered pieces of code that facilitate the transfer of data from Google Chrome to the Facebook app, aiming to recover and scrutinize potentially sensitive data.

    Simple but Concerning Technique

    Delving deeper into the matter, the method appears rather straightforward. Facebook’s tracking tools, found on numerous websites with the intention of analyzing innocuous elements like ad effectiveness, collect the unique identifier of your web browser. This information is then sent to the Meta app installed on your device. Consequently, even if you’re not logged into Facebook via Chrome, the app can still access your complete browsing history. Alarmingly, this also holds true when you’re using private browsing or have deleted your cookies.

    Widespread Use of Tracking Tools

    The IMDEA Networks Institute estimates that more than 5.8 million websites utilize this tracking tool known as “Pixel Meta.” Additionally, Yandex, a search engine from Russia, reportedly employs a similar method, with tracking algorithms present on over 3 million sites.

    Violations of Android Rules

    Even if you don’t feel personally affected by this recent revelation, it’s crucial to recognize that it breaches Android’s usage regulations, as reported by Ars Technica. The sharing of data is governed by various rules on the Android platform.

    Ars Technica reached out to Google for their take on the situation, and the American tech giant confirmed that the tracking technique used by Meta’s affiliate contravenes their guidelines. Reportedly, measures are already in the works to curb further misuse. Since the unveiling of this troubling finding, no interactions between Google Chrome and the Facebook app have been detected.

    Meta and Yandex Respond

    In closing, Meta has commented on the issue, citing a “communication error regarding the application of certain Google policies.” On the other hand, Yandex claims it does not gather sensitive information and emphasizes that its practices help enhance the personalization of its services.

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    Facebook Accused of Spying on Users Even When App Is Closed

     

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  • Meta to Compensate Australians $50 Million Over Cambridge Analytica

    Meta to Compensate Australians $50 Million Over Cambridge Analytica

    Meta has struck a deal to settle for $50 million with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) regarding the Cambridge Analytica incident from 2018. This settlement is aimed at compensating Australians whose Facebook data was collected and used for targeted political advertising.

    Breach of Privacy Act

    The OAIC issued a statement, highlighting, "The personal information of some Australian Facebook users was disclosed to the This is Your Digital Life app in violation of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)." As part of the agreement, the OAIC will drop the civil penalty proceedings that have been in effect since February 2024.

    Payment Scheme Details

    Meta will implement a payment scheme that will be managed by an independent third-party administrator. The company plans to announce this mediator at the beginning of next year. The compensation will be available for individuals who meet these criteria:

    1) They had a Facebook account from November 2, 2013, to December 17, 2015.

    2) They were in Australia for more than 30 days during that timeframe.

    3) They either installed the This is Your Digital Life app or were friends on Facebook with someone who did.

    Two-Tier Payment System

    There will be two levels within this payment system. The first tier allows individuals to apply for a base payment "if they feel they experienced generalized concern or embarrassment because of the matter." The second tier is for those who can provide evidence of loss or damage due to the incident, making them eligible for a higher compensation amount.

    "Today’s settlement marks the largest payment ever made to address privacy concerns for individuals in Australia," stated Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd in a press release.

    "It signifies a major resolution to the privacy issues raised by the Cambridge Analytica situation, offers affected Australians a chance to seek compensation through Meta’s payment program, and puts an end to a prolonged court process," Tydd further explained.

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  • Do Social Media Apps Listen to Your Mic? Facebook Insider Says Yes

    Do Social Media Apps Listen to Your Mic? Facebook Insider Says Yes

    Have you ever noticed an ad for something you just discussed? The mystery of whether our phones are eavesdropping has been partly solved with one of Facebook’s advertising associates confirming the use of ‘Active Listening.’

    As reported by 404 Media, “Active Listening” refers to a software powered by artificial intelligence that captures “real-time intent data by listening to our conversations.” Leaked documents reference a presentation from Cox Media Group (CMG), a major TV and radio company and one of Facebook’s alleged marketing partners. The presentation states, “Advertisers can pair this voice data with behavioral data to target in-market consumers.”

    Involvement of Tech Giants

    In addition to Facebook, both Google and Amazon reportedly utilize similar strategies and are clients of CMG’s Active Listening service. Upon being contacted by 404 Media regarding this partnership, Google allegedly removed CMG from its “Partners Program.”

    Denials from Involved Companies

    A spokesperson from Meta clarified that CMG was a general partner, and not part of the program mentioned in the presentation. He stated, “Meta does not use your phone’s microphone for ads and we’ve been public about this for years. We are reaching out to CMG to get them to clarify that their program is not based on Meta data.”

    Amazon’s representative also emphasized that they have never collaborated with CMG for advertising and have no intention to do so in the future.

    This isn’t the first time 404 Media has reported on CMG’s questionable voice targeting practices. Last December, 404 Media criticized a marketing company for promoting such intrusive technology on its podcast and discussed the Active Listening feature.

    A blog post from CMG in November last year addressed potential legal concerns, stating, “It is legal for phones and devices to listen to you. When a new app download or update prompts consumers with a multi-page term of use agreement somewhere in the fine print, Active Listening is often included.”

    CMG disclosed that it can identify users who are “ready-to-buy” and develop targeted ad lists based on their interests.

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  • Unfollow Everything: Why Facebook Banned the Tool’s Creator

    Unfollow Everything: Why Facebook Banned the Tool’s Creator

    Are you exhausted by the never-ending scroll on Facebook? A recent legal challenge questions Meta's (formerly Facebook) dominance over user feeds, focusing on a browser tool named "Unfollow Everything" that enables users to unfollow everyone at once, granting them the ability to purposefully curate their feed rather than being overwhelmed by an algorithm.

    Facebook took action against the original creator of the tool after he gained control over his Facebook feed, resulting in a significant decrease in his Facebook activity. In response, Facebook banned him from the platform. Presently, a researcher aims to investigate the impact of a new iteration of the tool but requires accessibility. Consequently, they have filed a lawsuit against Meta, contending that a segment of the Communications Decency Act safeguards users' rights to manage their online encounters, inclusive of the tools they employ.

    Implications of the Lawsuit

    The lawsuit revolves around a specific clause that permits the management of undesirable content. The researcher asserts that this provision should extend to social media, providing users with the ability to "opt out of the algorithm." The decision of the courts on this matter remains uncertain. If the users prevail, this case could establish a legal precedent, potentially granting individuals the authority to escape the perpetual scroll and design their personal social media interactions.

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