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Facebook is Still Evil

May 6, 2021

Unfortunately, there are billions of Facebook users. The vast majority have no clue as to the amount of data Facebook collects about them. Over the years, there have been multiple stories trying to reveal the type and amount of data Facebook slurps up, with the primary purpose to deliver very targeted ads. Graham Cluley posted information describing a recent attempt by Signal to point out Facebook’s activities.

Signal is well known for its secure end-to-end encrypted messaging app. Apparently, it attempted to expose the data collecting activities of Facebook on Instagram and explained its actions in a blog post. Signal’s Instagram ads tried to let the user know why they received a targeted ad. The examples are pretty frightening. Signal posted the following statement:

“Facebook is more than willing to sell visibility into people’s lives, unless it’s to tell people about how their data is being used. Being transparent about how ads use people’s data is apparently enough to get banned; in Facebook’s world, the only acceptable usage is to hide what you’re doing from your audience.”

Facebook wasn’t happy. As a result, the Signal account was disabled by Facebook and Facebook claimed the Signal postings were just an advertising stunt. As Graham points out, it really doesn’t matter if Signal or Facebook is right. At the end of the day, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram users are still the product. Just say NO!

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