When Facebook launched Portal, the company promised that no data collected through the devices would be used to re-target users withs ads. Well, that turned out not to be true…
Of course, it does! – That is what most of us have been saying for days.
When Facebook launched Portal, execs from the company were quick to brush off the idea of Facebook using any data collected from the devices for ad targeting uses. A week later, the story has changed.
Facebook has now shared an official statement that differs considerably from what was told during the Portal launch event. Portal does not have ads, so your usage data will not be used to target ads on the device. However, this data could potentially be used to target you with ads on other Facebook-owned properties. Of course.
So what data does Portal really collect from users?
The short answer would be: quite a lot. Portal collects general usage data, such as which apps you are using on the device and how long and how often you are using them. Moreover, since Portal voice and video calling is built on the Messenger infrastructure, Portal is able to collect the same data than other Messenger-enabled devices and platforms: frequency of calls, favorite contacts, length of calls, …
And of course all this data can be used to determine your “advertising” profile and target you with ads across the Facebook ecosystem.
But, none of this is a surprise, is it?
You might also like
More from Facebook
Meta Refreshes Facebook Groups With New Features
Facebook Groups now have an updated invitation system to reduce admin workloads and limit sharing of misinformation.
Meta Offers Digital Security Course For Journalists And Human Rights Defenders
The Meta Journalism Project and the ICFJ have put together a self-paced 90-minute course and webinars to provide online safety …
Facebook Tests New Desktop Layout Redesign
Reports say that some users are starting to see a new Facebook desktop layout, with all options listed on a …
Meta May Soon Alert You When Your Posts Are Removed By AI
According to reports, Meta is rolling out a system that notifies users when their posts are removed and how.
Meta Is Working On A Universal Speech Translator
Meta's latest AI project seeks to extend advanced translation options to lesser-used languages and to develop a universal speech translator.
Instagram Retires Boomerang And Hyperlapse Standalone Apps
Boomerang and Hyperlapse standalone apps have been removed from app stores as their functionality is already available within Reels.
Meta Demos Voice Controlled Builder Bot That Creates VR Spaces
Meta's latest AI research introduces a prototype technology capable of generating immersive objects through voice commands only.
Facebook Is Removing The Ability To Create Profile Frames
As part of its efforts to continue banning anti-vax messages, Meta is removing the ability for users to create frames.
Facebook Is About To Shut Down Campus
Facebook has informed users via an in-app message that it will be shutting down Campus - its college-focused social network.
