Australia sues Facebook for collecting data
Facebook is getting into even more legal trouble. On Wednesday, Australia sued the US company for collecting user information without consent.
Specifically, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) accuses the world's largest Internet network of advertising the protection of private data while secretly using the information to identify takeover targets. The regulators are basing their complaint on the proceedings of the US consumer protection agency FTC, which accuses Facebook of using its market power and user information.
This is intended to prepare Facebook for acquisitions like those of Whatsapp and Instagram in the past. According to experts, the process could ultimately also result in the spin-off of acquisitions.
"There is a connection, to what the FTC is saying, but they are looking at competition," ACCC Chairman said at a press conference. "We're looking at the consumer." A Facebook spokesman said the company clearly communicates what information is collected and how it is used.
Just earlier this month, Australia had pushed ahead with plans for Facebook and Google to share advertising revenue with media outlets. (SDA)
