FTC settles with Facebook over privacy violations
(Read article summary)The FTC and Facebook have reached a deal over alleged privacy violations dating to 2009. But unlike Google, which earlier this week agreed to pay the FTC $22.5 million, Facebook won't be fined a penny.
The FTC has been busy.
Just two days after Google agreed to pay a record $22.5 million fine for violating a 2011 FTC consent decree, the FTC has approved the terms of a second settlement – this time with Facebook. According to the FTC, in 2009 Facebook made significant privacy changes to its interface without adequately informing users. In addition, the FTC has charged, Facebook shared some user details with third-party advertisers.
Under the terms of the settlement, Facebook, which has not admitted any wrongdoing, will allow the government to audit its privacy practices every other year for 20 years, the AP has reported.
