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.

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