TOBY SHAPSHAK: Facebook spying: be very afraid
The extent of the data Facebook has gathered about its users is, frankly, terrifying
How safe is Facebook? More specifically, how safe is your data on Facebook? Last week the latest privacy scandal struck the world’s largest social media network when it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica, the shadowy conservative data analytics company credited with winning votes for Brexit and Donald Trump, got its hands on the data of 50m American Facebook users. The social media giant was quick to point out that this wasn’t a "violation" of its policies because the data was legitimately provided to psychologist Aleksandr Kogan, who then sold it to Cambridge Analytica. It’s kind of like saying that a gun used in a murder was legitimately bought at a store before it was stolen, isn’t it? Facebook’s value plummeted US$37bn last Monday after the news broke, while CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s wealth was shaved by $5bn. Within two days it had dropped over $50bn. Zuckerberg apologised five days after The Observer investigation broke, calling it a "breach of trust". But it is so much more.In...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.