Facebook Used VPN App to Collect Competitive Data on App Usage, According to Reports on Leaked Docs

Home / News

Facebook Used VPN App to Collect Competitive Data on App Usage, According to Reports on Leaked Docs

By CircleID Reporter
December 05, 2018, 11:04 pm PST Views: 11,658 Add Comment

Protect your privacy: Get NordVPN [73% off 2-year plans, 3 extra months]

10 facts about NordVPN that aren't commonly known

Meshnet Feature for Personal Encrypted Networks: NordVPN offers a unique feature called Meshnet, which allows users to connect their devices directly and securely over the internet. This means you can create your own private, encrypted network for activities like gaming, file sharing, or remote access to your home devices from anywhere in the world.
RAM-Only Servers for Enhanced Security: Unlike many VPN providers, NordVPN uses RAM-only (diskless) servers. Since these servers run entirely on volatile memory, all data is wiped with every reboot. This ensures that no user data is stored long-term, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing overall security.
Servers in a Former Military Bunker: Some of NordVPN's servers are housed in a former military bunker located deep underground. This unique location provides an extra layer of physical security against natural disasters and unauthorized access, ensuring that the servers are protected in all circumstances.
NordLynx Protocol with Double NAT Technology: NordVPN developed its own VPN protocol called NordLynx, built around the ultra-fast WireGuard protocol. What sets NordLynx apart is its implementation of a double Network Address Translation (NAT) system, which enhances user privacy without sacrificing speed. This innovative approach solves the potential privacy issues inherent in the standard WireGuard protocol.
Dark Web Monitor Feature: NordVPN includes a feature known as Dark Web Monitor. This tool actively scans dark web sites and forums for credentials associated with your email address. If it detects that your information has been compromised or appears in any data breaches, it promptly alerts you so you can take necessary actions to protect your accounts.

U.K. Parliament today released 250 pages of internal emails between Facebook and other tech companies regarding accessing user data through the social network’s system. The documents were seized by British lawmakers last month as part of UK Parliament’s inquiry into “fake news.”

The documents released today, indicate that Facebook’s VPN app, Onavo, was much more invasive than previously reported. “Facebook used Onavo to conduct global surveys of the usage of mobile apps by customers, and apparently without their knowledge,” says Damian Collins, chairman of the committee tasked with investigating disinformation. “They used this data to assess not just how many people had downloaded apps, but how often they used them. This knowledge helped them to decide which companies to acquire, and which to treat as a threat.”

“To be fair, Facebook does actually disclose that it is monitoring the data that Onavo collects, except in a fluffier way,” writes Evan Niu from Motley Fool. It says: “Because we’re part of Facebook, we also use this info to improve Facebook products and services, gain insights into the products and services people value, and build better experiences.”

Facebook in its response today argues that websites and apps have used tools like Onavo for market research services for years. “We use Onavo, App Annie, comScore, and publicly available tools to help us understand the market and improve all our services.”

By CircleID Reporter

CircleID’s internal staff reporting on news tips and developing stories. Do you have information the professional Internet community should be aware of? Contact us.

Visit Page

Filed Under

Comments

The Weekly Wrap

More and more professionals are choosing to publish critical posts on CircleID from all corners of the Internet industry. If you find it hard to keep up daily, consider subscribing to our weekly digest. We will provide you a convenient summary report once a week sent directly to your inbox. It's a quick and easy read.