Facebook: We’re Updating Our Terms …

Most of us have received a number of emails pointing us to revised terms of use and privacy/data policies, or asking us to consent. These have been driven by the GDPR, the new privacy regime in the EU.

Facebook’s starts with:

Hi David,

We’re updating our Terms, Data Policy, and Cookies Policy to make sure you know how your data is used so you can make the choices that are right for you.

(You have all taken the time to read, understand and make informed choices under these, right?)

Facebook has been under increasing scrutiny over what it does with our information. Frankly, the notion of privacy is somewhat inconsistent with Facebook’s fundamental mission to share information. But at least Facebook is now complying with the tougher consent rules of the GDPR, and giving us the choices we deserve. Or are they?

At least one privacy advocate doesn’t think so. On the same day the GDPR took effect, Austrian lawyer Max Schrems launched complaints against Facebook through a crowdfunded group called None Of Your Business. The gist of the complaints is that Facebook’s consents are not compliant with the GDPR.

Even Apple is on the anti-Facebook, anti-tracking movement. At its WWDC developer conference this week it announced new features in its Safari browser to stop Facebook and others from collecting so much information.

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