Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

author photo

Facebook Sued For Scanning Private Messages

by on January 04, 2014
in Facebook, News, Blog, Privacy :: 0 comments

Techlicious editors independently review products. To help support our mission, we may earn affiliate commissions from links contained on this page.

Really generic Facebook privacy pictureFacebook has been hit with a class action lawsuit claiming it violates its users privacy by scanning personal messages sent over the network for advertising purposes.

Specifically, the complaint says Facebook keeps track of what links are passed back and forth over the site’s private messaging system, and further, which are clicked and liked. This, the plaintiffs argue, violates our privacy rights.

“Representing to users that the content of Facebook messages is ‘private’ creates an especially profitable opportunity for Facebook, because users who believe they are communicating on a service free from surveillance are likely to reveal facts about themselves that they would not reveal had they known the content was being monitored,” the plaintiffs argue in the suit.

Facebook, for its part, told CNET that “the allegations are without merit.” It’ll be interesting to see if the suit goes anywhere, but in the meantime, you should be aware of your privacy and advertising settings on the network. If you’re sharing your most private of conversations over the internet, they’re probably not as private as you’d like to think they are. 

[Enter button with closed lock via Shutterstock]


Discussion loading

Love getting helpful tech tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter!

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.