Facebook remains one of the most visited places on the Internet. Meta (the parent company to Facebook) also features WhatsApp and Instagram on their roster and has faced numerous security and privacy failings over the years. In this week’s blog, we’ll take a brief look at some of the most noteworthy.

Cambridge Analytica

One of the most notable incidents was the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018. The political consulting firm harvested the data of millions of Facebook users without their consent, using it to influence voter behavior, including in the 2016 Presidential election and the decision by the English people to leave the European Union. This breach exposed how third-party apps could exploit Facebook's data-sharing policies, leading to widespread criticism and a significant loss of trust among users. The scandal prompted regulatory scrutiny and highlighted the need for stricter data protection measures.

Ignoring Data Privacy

In addition to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook has been criticized for its handling of user data. Reports have surfaced of the platform storing passwords in plain text, exposing users to potential hacks. Furthermore, Facebook's practice of collecting extensive user data, including location information and browsing history, has raised concerns about user privacy. This data collection is often done without explicit user consent, leading to accusations that Facebook prioritizes profit over user privacy. Ultimately, Meta settled a class action suit for over $700 million.

Cyberattacks and Data Breaches

Facebook has also faced challenges in securing its platform from cyberattacks. In 2018, the company disclosed a breach that affected 50 million accounts, where attackers exploited a vulnerability in Facebook’s code. In 2019, over 500 million people had their Facebook data found on publicly accessible servers. Later that year, 300 million users had their Facebook information hacked and made available on the Dark Web. These breaches allowed hackers to access user accounts and potentially obtain personal information. Despite Facebook's efforts to improve its security infrastructure, such incidents demonstrate the ongoing vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. Finally, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission levied a $5 billion fine and set forth new privacy restrictions for their products. 

Poor Privacy Practices

The platform's privacy policies have been a subject of controversy as well. Facebook's terms and conditions are often criticized for being lengthy and complex, making it difficult for users to understand how their data is being used. The company's approach to privacy settings has also been problematic, with frequent changes that can confuse users and lead to inadvertent sharing of personal information. This lack of transparency and control over privacy settings has contributed to user distrust.

Fake News and Manipulation

Finally, Facebook's role in disseminating misinformation and harmful content has raised ethical and privacy concerns. The platform's algorithms often promote sensationalist and polarizing content to maximize user engagement, which can have negative societal impacts. Moreover, the use of targeted advertising based on user data can lead to manipulation and exploitation. These issues underscore the broader implications of Facebook's security and privacy failings, affecting not only individual users but also society at large.

Most of the people you know use some type of Meta social media product, and after a myriad of privacy concerns, you need to have a plan for how to protect yourself. Stop back next week for part two, where we will tell you some things you can do to do just that.