Cranking up pressure on Facebook
Facebook monitored what app developers did with data collected on Facebook users and whether Facebook had safeguards to prevent misuse.
Facebook’s privacy practices have come under fire after revelations that a Trumpaffiliated consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica, got data on millions of Facebook users. That included information on friends of people who had downloaded a psychological quiz app, even though those friends hadn’t given explicit consent to sharing.
“I’m extremely concerned about Facebook’s data policies and along with my colleagues, I expect Facebook’s quick and full cooperation regarding our inquiry,” New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas said. “New Mexico consumers must be protected from misuse of their personal data and data breaches.”
Facebook is also facing questions about reports that it collected years of contact names, telephone numbers, call lengths and information about text messages from Android users. Facebook says the data are used “to improve people’s experience across Facebook” by helping to connect with others. But the company did not spell out exactly what it used the data for or why it needed them.
European officials have also been investigating or seeking more information. Germany’s justice minister said Monday that she wants closer oversight of companies such as Facebook after a meeting with its executives about the abuse of users’ data. Last week, a U.K. parliamentary media committee summoned CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify about how Facebook uses data, while U.K. Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham is investigating how Cambridge Analytica got the data.
In addition, the state’s attorney of Cook County in Illinois has sued Facebook and Cambridge Analytica for consumer fraud after revelations that the latter obtained data on millions of Facebook users. Facebook has not commented on the lawsuit.
The recent troubles follow Facebook’s most difficult year yet, as the company dealt with fake news, “filter bubbles” that lead to increasing polarization, and congressional hearings over Russian agents’ alleged use of social media to meddle with the 2016 presidential elections.