New Privacy Case Challenges Facebook

Facebook is refuting claims made in a lawsuit filed by two users in California, that it 'intercepts' private messages and profits from sharing the content with third parties.

Matthew Campbell and Michael Hurley say the social media giant scans private messages for URLs to analyse what users like, after 'mislead[ing] users into believing they have a secure, private mechanism for communication.' This is said to be in violation of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, California's own Invasion of Privacy Act and the state's Unfair Competition Law and Business & Professions Code. Facebook says the allegations are 'without merit' and it will defend itself 'vigorously' against them.

Specifically, the suit alleges that Facebook scans users' private messages for links to sites, follows the links and searches the sites to get profiling information about the user. Facebook has confirmed that its 'Like' counter does take account of the number of times links to particular pages are followed and shared.

Campbell and Hurley, who cite two studies by privacy specialists, are seeking class-action status for the claims.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.