Social media giant, Facebook, denies a newly surfaced claim that it collects messages users choose not to post.
In a revelation that has sparked renewed concerns about Facebook's data collection and privacy practices, Irish tech consultant Príomh Ó hÚigínn has discovered that the social media giant collects all content typed into its website, even if it is not posted.
Ó hÚigínn, who is based in Ireland, made this discovery after finding that a HTTP post request was sent to Facebook each time he wrote out a status, containing the exact text he entered. This data collection, according to Ó hÚigínn, is outright Orwellian and inconvenient.
The controversy surrounding Facebook's data collection practices is not new. In 2009, the company faced a backlash for removing a clause that promised to expire the license for a user's 'name, likeness, and image' if they remove content from the site. Following a protest campaign, Facebook returned to its previous terms of use, but it's unclear what rights Facebook has over content that is not posted.
In 2013, Facebook updated its policy to allow indefinite storage of unpublished status updates that users enter in the status box, even if they decide not to post them. The general ambiguity in Facebook's Data Policy makes it unclear what data Facebook collects.
Facebook's spokesperson states that they do detect text to suggest people to tag in posts, but do not store unposted content. However, Facebook again denies collecting the text users type but decide not to post/share.
Ó hÚigínn's discovery adds to the concerns about Facebook's data collection. He is more cautious about what he enters into the text area on Facebook due to this data collection.
Facebook's Data Policy states that it collects content and other information users provide when they create or share content. However, the policy does not directly explain what data it collects and what it doesn't.
Príomh Ó hÚigínn questions whether he is experiencing the censorship of his own thoughts due to Facebook's data collection. He believes that Facebook does not care about individuals' privacy.
Ó hÚigínn wrote on his blog yesterday about his discovery of Facebook's data collection practices. His findings have ignited a debate about the extent to which Facebook collects and uses users' data.
In December 2013, it was reported that Facebook plants code in browsers that returns metadata every time someone types out a status update or comment. This code, known as the "like" button, can track user activity even when the button is not clicked.
As the debate continues, Facebook users may question the company's commitment to protecting their privacy and the integrity of their online conversations. It remains to be seen how Facebook will address these concerns moving forward.
