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Date: April 01, 2024

Know about the privacy policy compromises made by tech giants

Google and Facebook, these names have carved their own brand in the silicon valley due to their relentless efforts in tech and innovation. Both these companies are in direct control of eight out of top 10 internet services and ranks among the five largest companies in the world. These figures clearly put light on the fact that how much of data and user base comes under the hood of these two companies. Sadly, there is also no doubt on their indulgence in the unregulated collection and use of personal data.

The infamous data theft by Cambridge Analytica uncovered the least known security flaws that were hanging on us since long. Right after getting hit by the security breach allegations, Facebook swiftly turned to damage control mode and its Chief Privacy Officer, Erin Egan and VP & Deputy General Counsel, Ashlie Beringer issued a statement, “Last week showed how much more work we need to do to enforce our policies and help people understand how Facebook works and the choices they have over their data. We’ve heard loud and clear that privacy settings and other important tools are too hard to find and that we must do more to keep people informed. So in addition to Mark Zuckerberg’s announcements last week – cracking down on abuse of the Facebook platform, strengthening our policies, and making it easier for people to revoke apps’ ability to use your data – we’re taking additional steps in the coming weeks to put people more in control of their privacy. Most of these updates have been in the works for some time, but the events of the past several days underscore their importance.”

Following are the major privacy policies taints incorporated by Facebook and Google in the recent past:

Facebook

• 87 million users were hit by the Cambridge Analytica scandal
• Over the course of several years, personal information of 2 billion users was compromised by  “malicious actors” (That’s what Facebook named it).
• In 2016, Facebook was slapped a fine of $1.44 million by Spain for unlawfully collecting its users' ideologies and religious beliefs, sex, and personal information.
• Facebook was additionally sued for supposedly filtering private messages for promoting and targeting user data.

Google

• In order to bypass Safari’s anti-tracking measures, Google deployed some secret codes which were later exposed by FTC.
• Google Home Mini was found to record the surroundings even when it wasn’t put to use.
• Much like Facebook, Google was also sued for using its users' data on various platforms and further sharing it with advertisers.

These facts clearly highlight the snags that accompany privacy policies of the internet services. By keeping a close tab on the regulations and practices of such companies, we can strengthen the user experience and trust. If not much, Privacy policies will further push them to stay answerable at the global level and this will ultimately lead to the more secure environment.

By Arpit Dubey

Arpit is a dreamer, wanderer, and a tech nerd who loves to jot down tech musings and updates. With a logician mind, he is always chasing sunrises and tech advancements while secretly preparing for the robot uprising.