Facebook privacy app spied on users for market research, ACCC says

Facebook misled consumers by collecting sensitive personal data through an app it promised would protect their privacy, and leveraged it for market research, the Australian consumer watchdog has alleged.

The social media giant came under scrutiny when it transpired the app was sending analytical data back to Facebook, including information on people's usage of other apps and websites. Media reports at the time claimed Facebook used this data, in one instance, to identify its burgeoning rival WhatsApp as a target for aquisition.

“When people downloaded Onavo Protect, we were always clear about the information we collect and how it is used," the spokesperson said.

Ireland Ireland Latest News, Ireland Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Facebook privacy app spied on users for market research, ACCC saysThe ACCC has brought proceedings against Facebook in the Federal Court as it believes the practices of an app it owned — which is now defunct after being delisted from app stores in 2018 — constituted false, misleading or deceptive conduct.
Source: theage - 🏆 8. / 77 Read more »

ACCC flags issues with Woolworths' $500m food distributor acquisitionThe competition watchdog has raised concerns over supermarket giant Woolworths' acquisition of food distributor PFD, dismissing commitments from the business.
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »