According to the complaint filed by Facebook users Matthew Campbell and Michael Hurley on behalf of “themselves and all others similarly situated,” Facebook is scanning its users’ private messages to provide data to advertisers marketers, and other data aggregators.
One of the research cited by the complaint to back its claim is one conducted by a Swiss firm High-Tech Bridge, which published a report last August on how the 50 largest social networks, web services, and free emails systems respect the users’ privacy. ”Facebook was one of the Web Services that was caught scanning URLs despite such activity remaining undisclosed to the user,” cited the complaint.
In response, Facebook has stated “We believe the allegations are without merit and we will defend ourselves vigorously.”
More specific details on the lawsuit can be read here.
In this modern day, it is important for us to be careful not only about what we post publicly on social networking sites, but also about what we post privately through instant and private messaging. If you would like to learn how to stay more vigilant and secure online, Lifehacker offers various tips on how to encrypt your email, making your internet life more secure and how to keep your browsing, email, and chats private.
Be smart about what you post!
More About ETCB:
The End to Cyber Bullying Organization is the world’s number one source for up-to-date cyberbullying information, news, legislature, and prevention tips. ETCB is instantly accessible online, and phone assistance by certified and professional cyberbullying counselors is available to any inquiring individuals. Highlighting cyberbullying as a leading issue in today’s technological society and raising awarenss throughout the web and throughout communities is the first and primary step to putting an end to cyberbullying.
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, ETCB is an international cyberbullying awareness campaign that has united over 4.5 million individuals internationally. Youth initiatives have started up in not only the fifty states, but also in nations such as China and the UK. Partnering with other organizations, such as the Girl Scouts of USA, and Sears Anti-Bullying Coalition, has enabled us to outreach even further. All of the money raised has been utilized to continue expanding ETCB, helping to increase our impact. Most importantly, we are grateful to have comforted and served thousands of cyberbullying victims of all ages. Future victims no longer need to feel as isolated and helpless as I once did.
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