Facebook To Pay $90m Penalty For Tracking Users

Facebook's parent compant Meta has agreed to pay $90 million to settle a decade-old lawsuit alleging Facebook kept tracking users' internet activity after they'd logged off of the platform. 

Users accused the Facebook of violating federal and state privacy and wiretapping laws by using plug-ins to store cookies that tracked when they visited outside websites containing Facebook “like” buttons.

The proposed settlement, which was filed on 14th February still requires court approval. If approved, it would be one of the 10 biggest data-privacy class-action settlements ever. Facebook agreed to delete all the data at issue.

Initiated in 2012, the case centered on Facebook’s use of proprietary browser plug-ins to track users’ visits to third-party sites.  Facebook obtained consent to track subscribers while logged in but promised to stop the tracking once the subscriber logged out, which according to the class-action suit, was not the case. Facebook violated privacy and wiretapping laws by using plug-ins to store cookies tracking users' visits to third-party websites that contained "like" buttons.

The social media site had users' permission to track them while they were logged in and promised to stop when they logged out, but failed to do so.

Besides the $90 million sum, which would be distributed among affected users, the settlement would require that Facebook delete data improperly collected on users through the use of this practice. Facebook's parent company, Meta, said, "Reaching a settlement in this case, which is more than a decade old, is in the best interest of our community and our shareholders and we're glad to move past this issue." 

As part of the settlement, Meta denies any wrongdoing.

The case dates back to a 2010 update by Facebook called “Open Graph,” which was designed to give users’ friends a closer look at their activity and interests across the internet. That lawsuit was dismissed in 2017 when a US  federal judge said the plaintiffs failed to show they had a reasonable expectation of privacy or that they suffered economic harm. 

In 2020, a federal appeals court revived the case, saying there is economic harm in such a situation. Facebook tried to have the Supreme Court take up the case, but it declined, allowing the federal appeals court's decision to stand.

Last year, Facebook agreed to pay $650m to settle a separate private lawsuit alleging the company's tagging feature violated an Illinois law prohibiting the collection of biometric data without prior notification and written consent. 

Business Insider:     Variety:     The East African:     Dawn:   The Citizen:     Haute Lawyer:     Image: Unsplash

You Might Also Read: 

Facebook Tanks:

 

« Ukraine Defence Ministry & Banks Under Cyber Attack
The New Security Demands Of Our Hybrid Working Future  »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Check Point

Directory of Suppliers

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

MIRACL

MIRACL

MIRACL provides the world’s only single step Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can replace passwords on 100% of mobiles, desktops or even Smart TVs.

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

BackupVault

BackupVault

BackupVault is a leading provider of automatic cloud backup and critical data protection against ransomware, insider attacks and hackers for businesses and organisations worldwide.

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North IT (North Infosec Testing) are an award-winning provider of web, software, and application penetration testing.

Aurec

Aurec

Aurec provides specialist recruitment and contracting services including ICT professionals.

Security Weekly

Security Weekly

Security Weekly provides free content within the subject areas of IT security news, vulnerabilities, hacking, and research.

TSUNAMI

TSUNAMI

The TSUNAMi center focuses on software and system security and how trustworthy software can be built from COTS software components.

DocAuthority

DocAuthority

DocAuthority automatically discovers and accurately identifies unprotected, sensitive documents, enabling a broad yet business-friendly security policy.

TÜV Informationstechnik (TÜViT)

TÜV Informationstechnik (TÜViT)

TÜViT is a leading service provider in the IT sector offering unbiased and independent tests and certifications of IT products, hardware, software, systems and processes.

Network Integrated Business Solutions (NIBS)

Network Integrated Business Solutions (NIBS)

NIBS is an IT services provider offering a range of services with the aim of simplifying and securing technology.

Gorodissky IP Security

Gorodissky IP Security

Gorodissky IP Security is a comprehensive approach to protecting your intellectual property on the Internet and beyond.

Hunton Andrews Kurth

Hunton Andrews Kurth

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP serves clients across a broad range of complex transactional, litigation and regulatory matters. Practice areas include Privacy and Cybersecurity.

Veratad Technologies

Veratad Technologies

Veratad Technologies, LLC is a world class provider of online/real-time Identity Verification, Age Verification, Fraud Prevention and Compliance Solutions.

Nomios

Nomios

Nomios develops innovative solutions for your security and network challenges. We design, secure and manage your digital infrastructure.

Fenix24

Fenix24

Fenix24 is an industry leader in the incident-response space. We ensure the fastest response, leading to the full restoration of critical infrastructure, data, and systems.

Winmill Software

Winmill Software

Winmill is a technology services company that provides expert consulting services in Application Development, Application Security and Cyber Security.

NAK Consulting Services

NAK Consulting Services

NAK is helping organisations to create Secure, Agile IT Environments. Our goal is to be the trusted advisor and managed service partner for our clients.

Lumifi

Lumifi

Lumifi provide end-to-end cybersecurity resilience solutions with a specialty in managed detection and response (MDR) services.

GreenPages Technology Solutions

GreenPages Technology Solutions

GreenPages provide expert strategic guidance and proven cloud-era solutions for our clients. Every day we help organizations leverage the cloud securely with less risk and cost.

Nyx Technology

Nyx Technology

Nyx Technology is your dedicated partner in navigating the intricate world of cyber security, providing you with cutting-edge threat intelligence to safeguard your digital assets.