Consumer Rights and Facebook Data Breach Timeline

Does Facebook really breach users Data? How secure using Facebook is today? There might be several questions pop up into mind before using Facebook. Myth or Fact, However the timeline of Facebook data breach is increasing gradually.

The argument of how Facebook process personal data of user is largely discussed. Lets take a review to echo voices of privacy compromise, which has just added two new stan over it.

Facebook Hit $5 Billion Penalty for Data Breach

The Federal Trade Commission of U.S has slammed Facebook with record $5 Billion penalty. The reason is none other than infamous “Data Breach”. FTC orders Facebook to make major changes in privacy policy to make sure more scrutiny.

Facebook will have to pay biggest penalty ever imposed on Tech Company in U.S history. This could be possible after Facebook itself confessed data breach before FTC. Exposure of more than 87 million users’ details to political analyst firm “Cambridge Analytica” is one of prominent breach.

Earlier to verdict $5 Billion penalty against Facebook, FTC had accused biggest Social Media site of violating a 2012 agreement. Facebook had earlier promised not to compromise users personal data and sharing it to third party without consent.

In a response to huge penalty, Facebook’s vice president of product partnerships said, “Making sweeping changes in Facebook structure means ‘fundamental shift’ the way we work.”

Facebook Data Breach Admitted

As far as Cambridge Analytica is concerned, the breach of user data is admitted now. According to Facebook it all began on September 16 when some extra ordinary revoked were noticed by them. Facebook kicked off an investigation into it and took up necessary steps to secure user details.

As per Facebook, “It fixed the vulnerability on September 27, and then began resetting the access tokens to users, However, were not sure if Instagram was affected.

Sites Using Facebook Like Button Liable for Data

In another major blow to Facebook, Europe’s top court asked websites to remove FB like Button. European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled all the website using Facebook “like” button are responsible for users personal details.

According to top court of Europe, “A site that embeds the Facebook “like” icon and link on its pages also sends user data to Facebook”.

“The owner of a website that embeds Facebook ‘Like’ button can be a controller jointly with Facebook in respect of the collection and transmission to Facebook of the personal data of visitors to its website”, the court further said. Therefore, users should be warned and asked to willingness to their data compile.

Facebook Sued in Court

The ruling from European Court appeared while the hearing of a case filed against German online fashion retailer. The case stood up violating personal data rules, that was committed using Facebook’s “Like” button on website of company.

Social Media plug-ins

Millions of sites around the world use common widgets, mostly famously Facebook’s “Like” button. Social plug-ins assures easy use of digital marketing of products. Companies and retailers seek to promote their products on popular social networks through it. Meanwhile it also violates personal privacy and breath to third party.

In response to court rule German Tech Company disagree with the burden of sites owners. The company Bitkom, said, “The verdict would not only affect websites with an embedded Facebook “Like” button but all social media plug-ins.

“This will additionally force website owners to reach data agreements or face liability for collecting the data of users.” He added

Previously Implemented Privacy Laws

Under EU data privacy rules, a data controller may gauge why personal data must be collected and processed. The landmark rules were already adopted in EU last year, while it also ensures the consent from users.

European consumer organization lawyer

The lawyer of European Consumer Organization said “As a result of this case, companies that linked Facebook ‘like’ button on their website can no longer hide behind Facebook.”

“The decision therefore paves the way rights of internet users towards information of data mobility. Furthermore, the can also keep an eye how website operators use their personal details.” she said.

What Facebook Say

In a brief response Jack Gilbert, associate general counsel of Facebook said “We are reviewing the court’s decision. Moreover, we will work closely with our partners to ensure they can continue to benefit from our social plug-ins and other business tools.” He further said