Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg prepares another apology -- this time to Congress
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has already apologized to users for not doing enough to protect their privacy.
How to get a copy of the data Facebook has on you
With every like, share and search, Facebook users have been creating a social network version of themselves, and the tech giant has been recording every detail.For those interested in finding out just what personal data Facebook has been storing, there's an easy way to find out:First, you must be on the desktop version of Facebook.
Federal Trade Commission confirms investigation of Facebook on privacy
WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission is investigating Facebook's privacy practices following a week of privacy scandals including whether the company engaged in "unfair acts" that cause "substantial injury" to consumers.Facebook's stock, which already took a big hit last week, plunged as a result.Facebook said in a statement on Monday that the company remains "strongly committed" to protecting people's information and that it welcomes the opportunity to answer the FTC's questions.News outlets have reported on the FTC investigation last week, but the FTC hadn't confirmed it until Monday.
Facebook has been logging data on Android users' calls and texts
Facebook is getting another dose of bad headlines in regard to privacy, amid revelations that the company has been storing data about Android users' phone calls and text messages.As the Guardian notes, some users discovered this while deleting their accounts after the Cambridge Analytica mess or at least while investigating what Facebook knows about them in the wake of that trouble.For example, one tweet in wide circulation: "Oh wow my deleted Facebook Zip file contains info on every single phone cellphone call and text I made for about a year- cool totally not creepy," writes Mat Johnson.Facebook's response is that everything is above-board because people opt-in to such sharing—for example, by being asked whether they want to share their contact information in the name of improving the friend-search function.“The most important part of apps and services that help you make connections is to make it easy to find the people you want to connect with," says a spokesperson. "So, the first time you sign in on your phone to a messaging or social app, it’s a widely used practice to begin by uploading your phone contacts."Still many users have been surprised by just how much data Facebook has on them, reports Ars Technica.
Facebook faces scrutiny for pulling Android call, text data
On the same day Facebook bought ads in U.S. and British newspapers to apologize for the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the social media site faced new questions about collecting phone numbers and text messages from Android devices.The website Ars Technica reported that users who checked data gathered by Facebook on them found that it had years of contact names, telephone numbers, call lengths and text messages.Facebook said Sunday the information is uploaded to secure servers and comes only from Android users who opt-in to allow it.
Facebook ads apologize for Cambridge Analytica scandal
NEW YORK — Facebook's CEO apologized for the Cambridge Analytica scandal with ads in multiple U.S. and British newspapers Sunday, saying the social media platform doesn't deserve to hold personal information if it can't protect it.The ads signed by Mark Zuckerberg said a quiz app built by a Cambridge University researcher leaked Facebook data of millions of people four years ago. "This was a breach of trust, and I'm sorry we didn't do more at the time.
UK probing Facebook after Cambridge Analytica suspension
LONDON — Britain's information commissioner is investigating whether Facebook data was "illegally acquired and used," after the social network suspended Cambridge Analytica, a firm that worked for U.S. President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign.Facebook suspended the company over allegations it retained improperly obtained user data after claiming it had deleted the information.The British probe is part of a broader inquiry into how political parties, data companies and social media platforms use personal information to target voters during political campaigns, including Britain's 2016 Brexit referendum on EU membership.Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said Saturday it's important "the public are fully aware of how information is used and shared in modern political campaigns and the potential impact on their privacy."She said "any criminal and civil enforcement actions arising from the investigation will be pursued vigorously."
Facebook to stream 25 MLB games in exclusive deal
NEW YORK — Facebook is getting deeper into the professional sports streaming game, partnering with Major League Baseball to air 25 afternoon games in an exclusive deal.The games will be available to Facebook users in the U.S. on Facebook Watch, the company's video feature, via the MLB Live show page.
A Facebook post about her deputy ex-husband got her arrested
It all started with a Georgia woman griping about her ex-husband.He apparently told her he wouldn't pick up the medicine her sick son needed, and Anne King vented about it on her private Facebook page, writing, "Feeling overwhelmed.
Facebook to verify ads with postcards after Russian meddling
MENLO PARK, Calif. — Facebook will soon rely on centuries-old technology to try to prevent foreign meddling in U.S. elections: the post office.Baffled in 2016 by Russian agents who bought ads to sway the U.S. presidential campaign, Facebook's global politics and government outreach director, Katie Harbath, told a meeting of the National Association of Secretaries of State in Washington on Saturday that the company would send postcards to potential buyers of political ads to confirm they reside in the U.S.The recipient would then have to enter a code in Facebook to continue buying the ad.
Facebook forges ahead with kids app despite expert criticism
NEW YORK — Facebook is forging ahead with its messaging app for kids, despite child experts who have pressed the company to shut it down and others who question Facebook's financial support of some advisers who approved of the app.Messenger Kids lets kids under 13 chat with friends and family.
Is Facebook listening in on your conversations?
NEW YORK – Scrolling through one's Facebook newsfeed has become a daily part of life for so many.
Child experts: Just say 'no' to Facebook's kids app
BOSTON — Child development experts and advocates are urging Facebook to pull the plug on its new messaging app aimed at kids.A group letter sent Tuesday to CEO Mark Zuckerberg argues that younger children — the app is intended for those under 13 — aren't ready to have social media accounts, navigate the complexities of online relationships or protect their own privacy.Facebook launched the free Messenger Kids app in December, pitching it as a way for children to chat with family members and friends approved by parents.
'Come get it' Facebook post leads to 7 arrests in Indiana drug bust
FRANKLIN, Ind. - An Indiana police department has a Facebook post to thank for the arrest of seven people.Authorities in Johnson County executed a search warrant Wednesday after investigating a Facebook post that read, "Come get it" with a picture of what appeared to be medical marijuana, according to WXIN.Investigators with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office found the Facebook post by Andrew Konchinsky, 26, 14 hours after posting it, court documents say.When they went to a Greenwood home in the 600 block of N.
Woman confesses to a killing after police spot murder weapon in her Facebook photo
SASKATCHEWAN, Canada - On the evening of March 24, 2015, Cheyenne Antoine and Brittney Gargol posed for a selfie and posted it on Facebook before heading out for the night.Within hours, 18-year-old Gargol was dead, her body found lying on the side of a road in Saskatchewan, Canada.Nearly two years later Antoine, now 21, confessed to the murder after police identified the belt she used to strangle and kill Gargol.It was the same belt Antoine was seen wearing in that photograph on the last night of her friend's life.
A look at Facebook's changes over the years in what you see
Facebook is once again tweaking what you see to focus more on personal connections and take the spotlight off brands and news articles.Facebook says it will highlight posts you are most likely to engage with and make time spent on social media more "meaningful." That means cutting back on items that Facebook users tend to passively consume, including video.To try to keep you glued to Facebook, it regularly updates the formula that decides what posts you see.
Facebook launches parent-controlled Messenger app for kids
NEW YORK — Facebook is coming for your kids.The social media giant is launching a messaging app for children to chat with their parents and with friends approved by their parents.The free app is aimed at kids under 13, who can't yet have their own accounts under Facebook's rules, though they often do.Messenger Kids comes with a slew of controls for parents.
Facebook ads: Social media giant announces new transparency
WASHINGTON — Under pressure in advance of hearings on Russian election interference, Facebook is moving to increase transparency for everyone who sees and buys political advertising on its site.Executives for the social media company said Friday they will verify political ad buyers in federal elections, requiring them to reveal correct names and locations.
UPS DOGS: Drivers from across the country share photos of pups they meet on their route 🐶
MILWAUKEE -- A Facebook page, where UPS drivers are sharing photos of the dogs they meet on their routes is getting a lot of attention online!The page, called "UPS Dogs" was created in 2013.
You can now order food on Facebook
Facebook today announced a new feature in its app that allows users to order food from local restaurants.The company is partnering with several established food delivery services including Delivery.com and DoorDash.