Tag: facebook
Sir Nick Clegg claims Facebook will change after £4bn fine
Sir Nick Clegg has said Facebook’s settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would spark a change “deep into the bowels of the company” over how it handles personal data. The former deputy prime minister is now the social network’s vice president of global affairs and communications and said new privacy provisions being introduced…
US launches antitrust investigation into tech giants
The US government is to examine if big technology firms have hurt competition or suppressed innovation as part of a new antitrust investigation. The Department of Justice announced it had opened an investigation into unnamed “digital platforms”, believed to include the likes of Facebook, Google and Amazon. It said the probe would look at “widespread…
Facebook Messenger Kids app flaw allowed strangers into chats
A flaw in Facebook’s Messenger Kids app meant children could have come into contact with people not approved by their parents, the social network has confirmed. The app, launched in 2017, is aimed at under-13s and is meant to be used as a safe space for them to chat to friends and family, controlled from…
MPs consider probe into Facebook Libra cryptocurrency
A probe into Facebook’s Libra digital currency plans is being considered by MPs, it has been reported. Concerns have been raised over the social network’s intentions to start a cryptocurrency called Libra, which will be run by a number of firms including Mastercard, Visa and PayPal. Facebook will incorporate the currency into its digital wallet…
Facebook defends Libra digital currency in US Senate grilling
The chief of Facebook’s new digital currency, Libra, has said it understands “loud and clear” that people do not want financial details connected to their social media data. David Marcus was grilled by US senators who expressed concern about Facebook’s planned cryptocurrency Libra, which will be run by a number of firms including Mastercard, Visa…
Facebook launches scam ad initiative, prompted by Martin Lewis
The Citizens Advice Scams Action team will review reports submitted in the UK (Facebook/PA) Fresh efforts to tackle scam ads across Facebook are set to be introduced in the UK today, following action from MoneySavingExpert's Martin Lewis. A specially trained team has been tasked with investigating alerts raised by the…
Facebook fined $5 billion over Cambridge Analytica privacy violations
The US Federal Trade Commission has voted to approve a fine of about $5 billion for Facebook over privacy violations, the Wall Street Journal has reported. Facebook declined to comment on the story which said the 3-2 vote broke along party lines, with Republicans in support and Democrats in opposition to the fine. The FTC…
US launches probe into France’s proposed tax on tech giants
The White House is launching an investigation into France’s proposed tax on internet giants including Google, Amazon and Facebook, in a move that could lead to US taxes on French imports. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer expressed concern that the tax, expected to be passed by the French Senate on Thursday, “unfairly targets American companies”.…
Facebook to launch experimental apps to test new features
Facebook is to release experimental apps to the public as part of new product development plans. The social media giant said it would launch “small, focused apps” based on “entirely new experiences” through its New Product Experimentation (NPE) developer team. The company said the apps will be available on Apple’s App Store, Android and the…
Libra cryptocurrency users don’t have to trust Facebook, says social media giant
Facebook will not control the new Libra cryptocurrency it has launched or the network around it, the social media giant’s lead on the project has said. David Marcus said Facebook will have no “special rights or privileges” around Libra or the Calibra digital wallet linked to it, as he defended the company’s new project. The…