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  • /India seeks Facebook's response over reports of data sharing without consent

India seeks Facebook's response over reports of data sharing without consent

India seeks Facebook's response over reports of data sharing without consent

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Story highlights

Facebook faced criticism in the United States on Wednesday from Republican and Democratic lawmakers who demanded that the social media company be more forthcoming about data it has shared with four Chinese firms

The Indian government asked Facebook to respond by June 20 the media reports of sharing user data without the consent of the users.

The official statement states, "Recently there are media reports claiming that Facebook has agreements which are allowing phone and other device manufacturers access to its users' personal information, including that of their friends, without taking their explicit consent. The Government of India is deeply concerned about reports of such lapses/violations".

"The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has sought an explanation from Facebook seeking a detailed factual report on the issue. Facebook has been asked to respond by June 20."

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Already facing criticism over the data breach scandal, Facebook came under fire again on Wednesday after the reports that it shared data with four Chinese mobile manufacturing firms.

The company also acknowledged the reports on Wednesday and said that it is ending the agreement with Huawei.

The United States also criticised Facebook after Republican and Democratic lawmakers demanded that the social media be more forthcoming about data it has shared with the Chinese companies.

Facebook had earlier revealed 87 million users' account was hacked after a UK-based firm Cambridge Analytica was accused of harvesting Facebook data.

New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood said the "data-sharing partnerships with other corporations" is part of the ongoing investigation into the reported misuse of Facebook user data by Cambridge Analytica.