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Facebook under investigation by FTC over privacy concerns

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has confirmed that it is investigating Facebook’s privacy practices.

The investigation comes on the back of recent allegations that Facebook failed to protect the data of millions of users.

Cambridge Anlaytica is believed to have used Facebook to garner the information of users and friends of users that downloaded a psychological quiz app.

“The FTC is firmly and fully committed to using all of its tools to protect the privacy of consumers. Foremost among these tools is enforcement action against companies that fail to honor their privacy promises,” acting director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, Tom Phal, said in a statement.

Last week the FTC made known the fact that it would be asking Facebook questions about its privacy policy after the Cambridge Analytica scandal, according to reports by Recode.

“Today, the FTC is confirming that it has an open non-public investigation into these practices,” added Phal.

Facebook meanwhile told Recode via a spokesperson that it welcomed the opportunity to answer questions from the FTC.

This might not be good news for Facebook which in 2011 signed a consent decree with the FTC. If Facebook has violated that agreement by allowing Cambridge Analytica to harvest the data of friends of users that could be disastrous. According to The Guardian the consent decree includes fines of $40 000 per violation.

 

[Source – Federal Trade Commission]

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