03/10/2024
Social Media Platforms Under Scrutiny for Privacy Risks
A new report has revealed growing concerns about data collection practices on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Messenger, and LinkedIn. These platforms are known for gathering extensive personal information, including real names, contact details, and job histories. According to security expert Price from SubRosa, “Facebook’s entire business model thrives on targeted advertising powered by personal data, while LinkedIn’s detailed user profiles attract phishing attacks.”
BeyondTrust’s Machado added, “The platforms use this data to serve their advertising clients, but users don’t see any real benefit from it.” This imbalance in value is at the heart of rising privacy concerns.
The report further highlights how platforms differ in their approach to data collection and retention. Meta’s services, especially Facebook and Instagram, were found to have particularly invasive data practices. Even after users delete their accounts, these platforms hold onto data for extended periods. Conversely, Telegram was recognized for its minimal data retention, topping the rankings for privacy.
Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook Messenger, and Discord were flagged for holding onto user data long after deletion requests, raising alarms over user privacy and safety.