Social media giant and already under scanner for various reasons, Facebook has been faced with another lawsuit filed by its own employee alleging that content moderators who face mental trauma after reviewing distressing images on the platform are not being properly protected by the company.

According to the filed lawsuit, Facebook moderators under contract are "bombarded" with "thousands of videos, images and live-streamed broadcasts of child sexual abuse, rape, torture, bestiality, beheadings, suicide and murder" and alleges negligence and failure to maintain a safe workplace.

"Facebook is ignoring its duty to provide a safe workplace and instead creating a revolving door of contractors who are irreparably traumatized by what they witnessed on the job," Korey Nelson, a lawyer for former Facebook contract employee Selena Scola, said in a statement on Monday.

According to report, the lawyer of the plaintiff has asked Facebook in the lawsuit to set up a medical monitoring fund to provide testing and care to content moderators with PTSD and also take care of the people that have already been traumatized.

Nelson's firm is seeking class-action status for the lawsuit.

Scola worked at Facebook's offices in Menlo Park and Mountain View, California, for nine months from June last year, under a contract through Pro Unlimited Inc, a Florida-based staffing company.

The case is Scola v Facebook Inc and Pro Unlimited Inc, No. 18 CIV0513, filed in Superior Court of the State of California.

(With inputs from agencies)

Social media giant and already under scanner for various reasons, Facebook has been faced with another lawsuit filed by its own employee alleging that content moderators who face mental trauma after reviewing distressing images on the platform are not being properly protected by the company.

Social media giant and already under scanner for various reasons, Facebook has been faced with another lawsuit filed by its own employee alleging that content moderators who face mental trauma after reviewing distressing images on the platform are not being properly protected by the company. According to the filed lawsuit, Facebook moderators under contract are "bombarded" with "thousands of videos, images and live-streamed broadcasts of child sexual abuse, rape, torture, bestiality, beheadings, suicide and murder" and alleges negligence and failure to maintain a safe workplace. "Facebook is ignoring its duty to provide a safe workplace and instead creating a revolving door of contractors who are irreparably traumatized by what they witnessed on the job," Korey Nelson, a lawyer for former Facebook contract employee Selena Scola, said in a statement on Monday. According to report, the lawyer of the plaintiff has asked Facebook in the lawsuit to set up a medical monitoring fund to provide testing and care to content moderators with PTSD and also take care of the people that have already been traumatized. Nelson's firm is seeking class-action status for the lawsuit. Scola worked at Facebook's offices in Menlo Park and Mountain View, California, for nine months from June last year, under a contract through Pro Unlimited Inc, a Florida-based staffing company. The case is Scola v Facebook Inc and Pro Unlimited Inc, No. 18 CIV0513, filed in Superior Court of the State of California. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook not protecting content moderators from mental trauma: lawsuit

After facing flak for improperly sharing personal data of millions of users, popular social networking site Facebook has now invited new criticism.

The social media&nbsp;acknowledged on Thursday that a software glitch had changed the privacy setting of its users by making their personal posts public.&nbsp;

According to Facebook, some 14 million users were affected by the technical glitch between May 18 and May 27.

Erin Egan, Facebook's chief privacy officer, said that the company recently "found a bug that automatically suggested posting publicly when some people were creating their Facebook posts."

Facebook said the bug surfaced when the social media was implementing a new way to share the posts.&nbsp;

The bug made the default setting or suggested a method of sharing the posts as "public" instead of "only for specific users"&nbsp;or "friends".

Facebook added that though it corrected the problem on May 22, it could not change all the posts and therefore was notifying the affected users.

Chief privacy officer Egan said,"To be clear, this bug did not impact anything people had posted before -- and they could still choose their audience just as they always have. We'd like to apologize for this mistake."

He added, "Starting today we are letting everyone affected know and asking them to review any posts they made during that time".

The social networking site has recently faced a series of embarrassments over the misuse of personal data of millions of its users.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted in April to have made a "huge mistake" as personal data of up to 87 million users may have been improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica.

The social networking site which was founded in 2004, had reached data-sharing partnerships with at least 60 device makers including Apple, Amazon, BlackBerry, Microsoft and Samsung over the last decade.

The social media acknowledged on Thursday that a software glitch changed had the privacy setting of its users by making their personal posts public

After facing flak for improperly sharing personal data of millions of users, popular social networking site Facebook has now invited new criticism. The social media acknowledged on Thursday that a software glitch had changed the privacy setting of its users by making their personal posts public. According to Facebook, some 14 million users were affected by the technical glitch between May 18 and May 27. Erin Egan, Facebook's chief privacy officer, said that the company recently "found a bug that automatically suggested posting publicly when some people were creating their Facebook posts." Facebook said the bug surfaced when the social media was implementing a new way to share the posts. The bug made the default setting or suggested a method of sharing the posts as "public" instead of "only for specific users" or "friends". Facebook added that though it corrected the problem on May 22, it could not change all the posts and therefore was notifying the affected users. Chief privacy officer Egan said,"To be clear, this bug did not impact anything people had posted before -- and they could still choose their audience just as they always have. We'd like to apologize for this mistake." He added, "Starting today we are letting everyone affected know and asking them to review any posts they made during that time". The social networking site has recently faced a series of embarrassments over the misuse of personal data of millions of its users. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted in April to have made a "huge mistake" as personal data of up to 87 million users may have been improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica. The social networking site which was founded in 2004, had reached data-sharing partnerships with at least 60 device makers including Apple, Amazon, BlackBerry, Microsoft and Samsung over the last decade.

Now, Facebook acknowledges 'bug' turned users' private posts public

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."

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.

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." 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.

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

Facebook has blacklisted a group of Myanmar Buddhist hardliners including monks notorious for bilious hate speech against Rohingya Muslims, the company said Thursday, as it scrambles to show it is tackling inflammatory content.

The social media company plays an outsized role in a country that has only recently come online and boasts 18 million accounts among the population of around 50 million people.

UN investigators have said that Facebook has morphed into a "beast" in the country and that hate speech and incitement to violence against the Rohingya are rampant on the site.

Some 700,000 Rohingya have fled a violent army crackdown in Myanmar to Bangladesh since August last year -- after years of increasingly violent and angry discourse against the minority, much of it playing out on Facebook.

In response, Facebook this week has undertaken its highest-profile visit yet to Myanmar.

It banned the Buddhist nationalist movement Ma Ba Tha from its platform, as well as a pair of prominent monks known for stoking hatred towards the Rohingya.

"They are not allowed a presence on Facebook, and we will remove any accounts and content which support, praise or represent these individuals or organisations," said Content Policy Manager David Caragliano.

Extremist monks Parmaukkha and Thuseitta join their fellow firebrand clergyman Wirathu on the blacklist after he was banned in January.

Activists have criticised the platform for responding too slowly to reports of malicious posts, with some content being shared by users for more than 48 hours before being removed.

Examples include calls for the killing of a Muslim journalist and posts last September saying Buddhists and Muslims were each preparing attacks against the other.

Activists flagged these repeatedly to Facebook but it still took several days for the platform to act.&nbsp;

"We can do more, and we have been slow to respond," admitted Facebook Vice President of Public Policy in Asia-Pacific Simon Milner.

He said Facebook is increasing the number of people working on Myanmar from Singapore and Bangkok, including those who speak the language, although declined to give specific numbers.

The platform says it is also stepping up measures to prevent fake accounts and block repeat offenders while improving systems for users to report harmful content.

Myanmar activists welcomed the high profile visit but urged the platform to be more transparent.

"What is the time it takes to remove harmful content? How many people do we have in the team that speak Myanmar?" tech hub Phandeeya CEO Jes Kaliebe Petersen asked.

"Users deserve to know."

Facebook is caught up in a data sharing scandal that also stirred furious debate on its responsibilities for the content users share including "fake news" and hate speech. 
&nbsp;

The social media company plays an outsized role in a country that has only recently come online and boasts 18 million accounts among the population of around 50 million people

Facebook has blacklisted a group of Myanmar Buddhist hardliners including monks notorious for bilious hate speech against Rohingya Muslims, the company said Thursday, as it scrambles to show it is tackling inflammatory content. The social media company plays an outsized role in a country that has only recently come online and boasts 18 million accounts among the population of around 50 million people. UN investigators have said that Facebook has morphed into a "beast" in the country and that hate speech and incitement to violence against the Rohingya are rampant on the site. Some 700,000 Rohingya have fled a violent army crackdown in Myanmar to Bangladesh since August last year -- after years of increasingly violent and angry discourse against the minority, much of it playing out on Facebook. In response, Facebook this week has undertaken its highest-profile visit yet to Myanmar. It banned the Buddhist nationalist movement Ma Ba Tha from its platform, as well as a pair of prominent monks known for stoking hatred towards the Rohingya. "They are not allowed a presence on Facebook, and we will remove any accounts and content which support, praise or represent these individuals or organisations," said Content Policy Manager David Caragliano. Extremist monks Parmaukkha and Thuseitta join their fellow firebrand clergyman Wirathu on the blacklist after he was banned in January. Activists have criticised the platform for responding too slowly to reports of malicious posts, with some content being shared by users for more than 48 hours before being removed. Examples include calls for the killing of a Muslim journalist and posts last September saying Buddhists and Muslims were each preparing attacks against the other. Activists flagged these repeatedly to Facebook but it still took several days for the platform to act. "We can do more, and we have been slow to respond," admitted Facebook Vice President of Public Policy in Asia-Pacific Simon Milner. He said Facebook is increasing the number of people working on Myanmar from Singapore and Bangkok, including those who speak the language, although declined to give specific numbers. The platform says it is also stepping up measures to prevent fake accounts and block repeat offenders while improving systems for users to report harmful content. Myanmar activists welcomed the high profile visit but urged the platform to be more transparent. "What is the time it takes to remove harmful content? How many people do we have in the team that speak Myanmar?" tech hub Phandeeya CEO Jes Kaliebe Petersen asked. "Users deserve to know." Facebook is caught up in a data sharing scandal that also stirred furious debate on its responsibilities for the content users share including "fake news" and hate speech.

Facebook blacklists Myanmar hardline Buddhist group

The Papua New Guinea government may temporarily ban social media giant Facebook in order to carry out a research to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the use of Facebook and vulnerabilities linked to personal data use and cybercrime.&nbsp

The information gathered from the study will then be used to curb the fake profile and fake news floating on the site.

Communications Minister Sam Basil has&nbspsuggested banning Facebook for one month which will give the government time to gather information on fake accounts and users who uploads pornography and defamatory information in order to remove it from the platform.

He also proposed the idea to replace Facebook with a locally developed social media site.&nbsp

"This will allow genuine people with real identities to use the social network responsibly," &nbspnews agency quoted Basil as saying.

"If there need be then we can gather our local applications developers to create a site that is more conducive for Papua New Guineans to communicate within the country and abroad as well," Basil added,

However, no time has been fixed at for the potential ban on Facebook. But reports say that the ban might come into effect during the time when Papua New Guinea is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation&nbsp(APEC) summit later this year. The summit is expected to be attended by the United States president Donald Trump.

Mark Zuckerberg owned Facebook is under fire from past few months after a whistleblower revealed that UK based data mining firm Cambridge Analytica gathered data from illegal measures.

It has faced a lot of criticism after it was revealed that over 80 million users' information was compromised during the Cambridge Analytica row.

AFP reported a spokesperson of Facebook is saying that it has reached the Papua New Guinea authorities and is addressing the concerns.

The decision of temporarily banning the Facebook has however been ridiculed by Papua New Guinea media as the time of the ban may coincide with APEC summit.

PNG Institute of National Affairs executive director Paul Barker was quoted as saying by AFP, "The APEC meeting is all about promoting the digital era to assist business, develop economies, and improve citizen welfare in member countries."&nbsp

Media has said that it restricts the freedom of speech in the country as the Platform is widely used to discuss politics.

(With inputs from AFP)

A study will be conducted during this period to gather from the study will then be used to curb the fake profiles and fake news floating on the site

The Papua New Guinea government may temporarily ban social media giant Facebook in order to carry out a research to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the use of Facebook and vulnerabilities linked to personal data use and cybercrime. The information gathered from the study will then be used to curb the fake profile and fake news floating on the site. Communications Minister Sam Basil has&nbspsuggested banning Facebook for one month which will give the government time to gather information on fake accounts and users who uploads pornography and defamatory information in order to remove it from the platform. He also proposed the idea to replace Facebook with a locally developed social media site. "This will allow genuine people with real identities to use the social network responsibly," &nbspnews agency quoted Basil as saying. "If there need be then we can gather our local applications developers to create a site that is more conducive for Papua New Guineans to communicate within the country and abroad as well," Basil added, However, no time has been fixed at for the potential ban on Facebook. But reports say that the ban might come into effect during the time when Papua New Guinea is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit later this year. The summit is expected to be attended by the United States president Donald Trump. Mark Zuckerberg owned Facebook is under fire from past few months after a whistleblower revealed that UK based data mining firm Cambridge Analytica gathered data from illegal measures. It has faced a lot of criticism after it was revealed that over 80 million users' information was compromised during the Cambridge Analytica row. AFP reported a spokesperson of Facebook is saying that it has reached the Papua New Guinea authorities and is addressing the concerns. The decision of temporarily banning the Facebook has however been ridiculed by Papua New Guinea media as the time of the ban may coincide with APEC summit. PNG Institute of National Affairs executive director Paul Barker was quoted as saying by AFP, "The APEC meeting is all about promoting the digital era to assist business, develop economies, and improve citizen welfare in member countries." Media has said that it restricts the freedom of speech in the country as the Platform is widely used to discuss politics. (With inputs from AFP)

Papua New Guinea may temporarily ban Facebook to curb fake profiles

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies as lengthy questions left the 34-year-old American little time to answer.

Betraying little emotion, Zuckerberg apologised to leaders of the European Parliament in Brussels for a massive data leak, in his latest attempt to draw a line under the damaging scandal.

However, he avoided answering numerous specific questions, notably around opt-outs from targeted advertising, the sharing of data between Facebook and its messaging service WhatsApp, as well as Facebook's collection of data on non-users.

He spoke for over half an hour in total, mostly repeating assurances and descriptions of Facebook plans that he detailed to U.S. lawmakers during 10 hours of hearings in Washington last month. Though some questions were sharp, there was no chance for the Europeans to follow up if they felt the answers fell short.

Investment analysts heard little new and Facebook's share price showed no reaction to the event, holding at the level to which it has recovered after taking a hit on the scandal.

"I asked you six 'yes or no' questions I got not a single answer," said Philippe Lamberts of the Greens, one of 12 party leaders and lead legislators whose questions to Zuckerberg took up nearly half of a hearing - broadcast live after complaints about an original plan for a closed-door meeting.

Zuckerberg had agreed to meet the lawmakers to answer questions about how political consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly got hold of the personal data of 87 million Facebook users, including up to 2.7 million in the EU.

"SORRY" AND SOUVENIRS

He used an initial 10-minute address to apologise. "That was a mistake and I am sorry for it," he said. Not enough was done to prevent the breach, he added, promising the company was now better prepared and was working on further improvements.

The dozen MEPs then asked their questions, ranging from the German conservative leader asking Zuckerberg why his giant firm should not be broken up as a monopoly to complaints from Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, and an ally of French nationalist Marine Le Pen, that Facebook was now biased against right-wing parties.

That left barely 10 more minutes of the allotted time for replies -- though Zuckerberg spoke for a further quarter hour before the Italian speaker of the legislature, President Antonio Tajani, brought a somewhat disorderly halt to proceedings.

Over shouted complaints and repeated questions, the Facebook CEO and his adviser promised follow-up written answers at least one lawmaker, Swedish liberal Cecilia Wikstrom, also found time to pose for a souvenir photo with the youthful tech supremo, who uncharacteristically wore a dark suit and tie for the occasion.

British Conservative Syed Kamall complained the hearing was a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for Zuckerberg and said Facebook's reluctance to detail some of its workings left regulators trying to "cure a disease without knowing what the illness is".

The MEPs also faced criticism. Dominique Deckmyn of Belgian paper De Standaard tweeted: "First, they used up all their time speaking to make themselves look good, then complained loudly that Zuckerberg had no time left to answer."

In his opening remarks, Zuckerberg said it had "become clear over the last couple of years that we haven't done enough to prevent the tools we've built from being used for harm as well."

"Whether it's fake news, foreign interference in elections or developers misusing people’s information, we didn’t take a broad enough view of our responsibilities."

ECHO OF WASHINGTON

His comments echoed an apology last month to U.S. lawmakers. But questions remain over how Facebook let the leak happen and whether it is doing enough to prevent a recurrence.

Zuckerberg's appearance in Brussels came three days before tough new EU rules on data protection take effect. Companies will be subject to fines of up to 4 percent of global turnover for breaching them.

Zuckerberg said Facebook expected to be compliant with the EU rules, called the General Data Protection Regulation, when they come into force on Friday, stressing a commitment to Europe where Facebook will employ 10,000 people by the end of the year.

He avoided giving details about how non-Facebook users could stop the company from collecting their data, abruptly changing the subject to the company's relationship with third-party apps.

Last month, Facebook said it had no plans to build a tool to allow non-users to find out what the company knows about them, something that U.S. lawmakers had asked about.

Since the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook has suspended 200 apps from its platforms as it investigates third-party apps that have access to large quantities of user data. Zuckerberg said he expected more apps to be penalised.

Cambridge Analytica and its British parent, SCL Elections Ltd, have declared bankruptcy and closed down.

Zuckerberg said investments in security would significantly impact Facebook's profitability, but "keeping people safe will always be more important than maximising our profits".

Some European officials want a tougher line on big technology firms, however.

Facebook's compliance with the new EU data rules will be closely watched, as will its efforts to tackle the spread of fake news ahead of European Parliament elections next year.

"Some sort of regulation is important and inevitable," Zuckerberg said, but he echoed calls in the United States that innovation should not be stifled.

Zuckerberg will go on to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday but has so far declined to appear in front of British lawmakers.

&nbsp

However, Zuckerberg avoided answering numerous specific questions, notably around opt-outs from targeted advertising, the sharing of data between Facebook and its messaging service WhatsApp, as well as Facebook's collection of data on non-users

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies as lengthy questions left the 34-year-old American little time to answer. Betraying little emotion, Zuckerberg apologised to leaders of the European Parliament in Brussels for a massive data leak, in his latest attempt to draw a line under the damaging scandal. However, he avoided answering numerous specific questions, notably around opt-outs from targeted advertising, the sharing of data between Facebook and its messaging service WhatsApp, as well as Facebook's collection of data on non-users. He spoke for over half an hour in total, mostly repeating assurances and descriptions of Facebook plans that he detailed to U.S. lawmakers during 10 hours of hearings in Washington last month. Though some questions were sharp, there was no chance for the Europeans to follow up if they felt the answers fell short. Investment analysts heard little new and Facebook's share price showed no reaction to the event, holding at the level to which it has recovered after taking a hit on the scandal. "I asked you six 'yes or no' questions I got not a single answer," said Philippe Lamberts of the Greens, one of 12 party leaders and lead legislators whose questions to Zuckerberg took up nearly half of a hearing - broadcast live after complaints about an original plan for a closed-door meeting. Zuckerberg had agreed to meet the lawmakers to answer questions about how political consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly got hold of the personal data of 87 million Facebook users, including up to 2.7 million in the EU. "SORRY" AND SOUVENIRS He used an initial 10-minute address to apologise. "That was a mistake and I am sorry for it," he said. Not enough was done to prevent the breach, he added, promising the company was now better prepared and was working on further improvements. The dozen MEPs then asked their questions, ranging from the German conservative leader asking Zuckerberg why his giant firm should not be broken up as a monopoly to complaints from Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, and an ally of French nationalist Marine Le Pen, that Facebook was now biased against right-wing parties. That left barely 10 more minutes of the allotted time for replies -- though Zuckerberg spoke for a further quarter hour before the Italian speaker of the legislature, President Antonio Tajani, brought a somewhat disorderly halt to proceedings. Over shouted complaints and repeated questions, the Facebook CEO and his adviser promised follow-up written answers at least one lawmaker, Swedish liberal Cecilia Wikstrom, also found time to pose for a souvenir photo with the youthful tech supremo, who uncharacteristically wore a dark suit and tie for the occasion. British Conservative Syed Kamall complained the hearing was a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for Zuckerberg and said Facebook's reluctance to detail some of its workings left regulators trying to "cure a disease without knowing what the illness is". The MEPs also faced criticism. Dominique Deckmyn of Belgian paper De Standaard tweeted: "First, they used up all their time speaking to make themselves look good, then complained loudly that Zuckerberg had no time left to answer." In his opening remarks, Zuckerberg said it had "become clear over the last couple of years that we haven't done enough to prevent the tools we've built from being used for harm as well." "Whether it's fake news, foreign interference in elections or developers misusing people’s information, we didn’t take a broad enough view of our responsibilities." ECHO OF WASHINGTON His comments echoed an apology last month to U.S. lawmakers. But questions remain over how Facebook let the leak happen and whether it is doing enough to prevent a recurrence. Zuckerberg's appearance in Brussels came three days before tough new EU rules on data protection take effect. Companies will be subject to fines of up to 4 percent of global turnover for breaching them. Zuckerberg said Facebook expected to be compliant with the EU rules, called the General Data Protection Regulation, when they come into force on Friday, stressing a commitment to Europe where Facebook will employ 10,000 people by the end of the year. He avoided giving details about how non-Facebook users could stop the company from collecting their data, abruptly changing the subject to the company's relationship with third-party apps. Last month, Facebook said it had no plans to build a tool to allow non-users to find out what the company knows about them, something that U.S. lawmakers had asked about. Since the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook has suspended 200 apps from its platforms as it investigates third-party apps that have access to large quantities of user data. Zuckerberg said he expected more apps to be penalised. Cambridge Analytica and its British parent, SCL Elections Ltd, have declared bankruptcy and closed down. Zuckerberg said investments in security would significantly impact Facebook's profitability, but "keeping people safe will always be more important than maximising our profits". Some European officials want a tougher line on big technology firms, however. Facebook's compliance with the new EU data rules will be closely watched, as will its efforts to tackle the spread of fake news ahead of European Parliament elections next year. "Some sort of regulation is important and inevitable," Zuckerberg said, but he echoed calls in the United States that innovation should not be stifled. Zuckerberg will go on to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday but has so far declined to appear in front of British lawmakers.

Facebook face-off: EU gets little news from Zuckerberg about social network's data policies

President Emmanuel Macron told executives from the world's biggest technology firms on Wednesday that he wanted innovation to be a driving force for the French economy, but also that they needed to contribute more to society.

The French leader paints himself as a champion of France's plugged-in youth and wants to transform France into a "startup nation" that draws higher investments into technology and artificial intelligence. He is also spearheading efforts in Europe to have digital companies pay more tax at source.

Macron's guest-list included Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, IBM's Virginia Rometty, Intel Corp's Brian Krzanich, Microsoft Corp's Satya Nadella and a raft of other big hitters in the corporate world.

"There is no free lunch," he quipped in English to the executives lined up on the steps of the Elysee Palace for a photo call at a lunch meeting. "So I want from you some commitments."

As Macron spoke, IBM announced it would hire about 1,400 people in France over the next two years in the fields of blockchain and cloud computing.

Ride-hailing app Uber also said it planned to offer all its European drivers an upgraded version of the health insurance it already provides in France in a drive to attract independent workers and fend off criticism over their treatment.

Macron will hold one-on-one talks with Mark Zuckerberg on tax and data privacy on the sidelines of the Tech For Good summit - a day after the Facebook chief executive faced questions from European Union lawmakers.

Those talks will be frank, an Elysee official said ahead of the meeting. While Macron will be pitching France Inc, he will also push his case for a European Union tax on digital turnover and a tougher fight against both data piracy and fake news.

Zuckerberg on Tuesday sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies, apologising to leaders of the European Parliament for a massive data leak but dodging numerous questions.

Macron told the executives that business needed to do more in tackling issues such as inequality and climate change.

"It is not possible just to have free riding on one side, when you make a good business," the French president said.

Zuckerberg on Tuesday sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies.

President Emmanuel Macron told executives from the world's biggest technology firms on Wednesday that he wanted innovation to be a driving force for the French economy, but also that they needed to contribute more to society. The French leader paints himself as a champion of France's plugged-in youth and wants to transform France into a "startup nation" that draws higher investments into technology and artificial intelligence. He is also spearheading efforts in Europe to have digital companies pay more tax at source. Macron's guest-list included Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, IBM's Virginia Rometty, Intel Corp's Brian Krzanich, Microsoft Corp's Satya Nadella and a raft of other big hitters in the corporate world. "There is no free lunch," he quipped in English to the executives lined up on the steps of the Elysee Palace for a photo call at a lunch meeting. "So I want from you some commitments." As Macron spoke, IBM announced it would hire about 1,400 people in France over the next two years in the fields of blockchain and cloud computing. Ride-hailing app Uber also said it planned to offer all its European drivers an upgraded version of the health insurance it already provides in France in a drive to attract independent workers and fend off criticism over their treatment. Macron will hold one-on-one talks with Mark Zuckerberg on tax and data privacy on the sidelines of the Tech For Good summit - a day after the Facebook chief executive faced questions from European Union lawmakers. Those talks will be frank, an Elysee official said ahead of the meeting. While Macron will be pitching France Inc, he will also push his case for a European Union tax on digital turnover and a tougher fight against both data piracy and fake news. Zuckerberg on Tuesday sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies, apologising to leaders of the European Parliament for a massive data leak but dodging numerous questions. Macron told the executives that business needed to do more in tackling issues such as inequality and climate change. "It is not possible just to have free riding on one side, when you make a good business," the French president said.

There is no free lunch, I want some commitments: Macron to tech giants

Facebook chief Mark <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-to-hold-tough-talks-with-facebooks-zuckerberg-in-paris-meet-137496">Zuckerberg has agreed to meet European </a>Parliament members to answer questions after a data harvesting scandal, newswire AFP quoted a top European Parliament official as saying on Wednesday.

Facebook&nbsphad earlier said Zuckerberg wouldn't be answering questions to UK lawmakers but he has finally agreed to meet representatives of the European Parliament.&nbsp&nbsp

Senior&nbsplawmakers have agreed Mark Zuckerberg should come clarify issues related to the use of personal data in a meeting with representatives of the European Parliament, the parliament's leader Antonio Tajani said in a statement.

Tajani said the meeting could take place "as early as next week".

Meanwhile, reports said French president Macron will hold "tough talks" with the Facebook boss over data privacy in Paris when Zuckerberg visits the city next week.

Zuckerberg is set to visit France for a technology meet next Wednesday. The French president will hold one-to-one meet with the Facebook chief, reports said.

Last month Zuckerberg had answered questions to a US congressional committee over data hacking allegedly carried out by Cambridge Analytica, a UK-based company which reportedly used Facebook data during President Trump's US presidential campaign in 2016.

Reports said French president Macron will hold "tough talks" with the Facebook boss

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg has agreed to meet European Parliament members to answer questions after a data harvesting scandal, newswire AFP quoted a top European Parliament official as saying on Wednesday. Facebook&nbsphad earlier said Zuckerberg wouldn't be answering questions to UK lawmakers but he has finally agreed to meet representatives of the European Parliament. Senior&nbsplawmakers have agreed Mark Zuckerberg should come clarify issues related to the use of personal data in a meeting with representatives of the European Parliament, the parliament's leader Antonio Tajani said in a statement. Tajani said the meeting could take place "as early as next week". Meanwhile, reports said French president Macron will hold "tough talks" with the Facebook boss over data privacy in Paris when Zuckerberg visits the city next week. Zuckerberg is set to visit France for a technology meet next Wednesday. The French president will hold one-to-one meet with the Facebook chief, reports said. Last month Zuckerberg had answered questions to a US congressional committee over data hacking allegedly carried out by Cambridge Analytica, a UK-based company which reportedly used Facebook data during President Trump's US presidential campaign in 2016.

Facebook chief Zuckerberg to meet European Parliament members over data privacy

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold "frank" talks with Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on tax and data privacy in a week's time when he welcomes the bosses of leading tech firms to Paris in a drive to lure more investment.

The French leader's office said he would meet Zuckerberg and more than a dozen technology chief executives during a Tech for Good summit at which he will pitch France Inc but also push his case for an EU tax on digital turnover and call for a tougher battle against fake news.

Also expected at the Elysee Palace event are IBM's Virginia Rometty, Intel Corp's Brian Krzanich and Microsoft Corp's Satya Nadella.

Macron, 40, paints himself as a champion of France's plugged-in youth and wants to transform France into a "startup nation", but he is also spearheading efforts in Europe to have digital tax companies pay more tax at source.

The summit comes at a time Facebook is under pressure in the United States and in Europe over data privacy after it emerged that tens of millions of users' personal data harvested from the website by political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

"There will be tough discussions," one official in Macron's office said.

Macron will hold a one-on-one meeting with Zuckerberg, during which all subjects will be raised in "very frank" discussions, the president's office said.

In April, Zuckerberg fielded questions over two days from US&nbsplawmakers over how it handles private data, refusing to make any promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business.

Lawmakers in Europe are demanding answers too and the European Parliament has requested Zuckerberg appear before the assembly more than once.

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold 'frank' talks with Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on tax and data privacy in a week's time when he welcomes the bosses of leading tech firms to Paris in a drive to lure more investment

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold "frank" talks with Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on tax and data privacy in a week's time when he welcomes the bosses of leading tech firms to Paris in a drive to lure more investment. The French leader's office said he would meet Zuckerberg and more than a dozen technology chief executives during a Tech for Good summit at which he will pitch France Inc but also push his case for an EU tax on digital turnover and call for a tougher battle against fake news. Also expected at the Elysee Palace event are IBM's Virginia Rometty, Intel Corp's Brian Krzanich and Microsoft Corp's Satya Nadella. Macron, 40, paints himself as a champion of France's plugged-in youth and wants to transform France into a "startup nation", but he is also spearheading efforts in Europe to have digital tax companies pay more tax at source. The summit comes at a time Facebook is under pressure in the United States and in Europe over data privacy after it emerged that tens of millions of users' personal data harvested from the website by political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. "There will be tough discussions," one official in Macron's office said. Macron will hold a one-on-one meeting with Zuckerberg, during which all subjects will be raised in "very frank" discussions, the president's office said. In April, Zuckerberg fielded questions over two days from US&nbsplawmakers over how it handles private data, refusing to make any promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business. Lawmakers in Europe are demanding answers too and the European Parliament has requested Zuckerberg appear before the assembly more than once.

France’s Macron to hold 'tough talks' with Facebook's Zuckerberg in Paris meet

As per reports, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will not be testifying before the UK Parliament.

Parliament members had previously noted that Zuckerberg would be summoned to testify in connection to the Cambridge Analytica data leak whenever he is in the country next.

Facebook officials have now noted that Zuckerberg does not plan to do so.

Parliamentary member Damian Collins called the incident "disappointing".&nbsp;

"It is disappointing that a company with the resources of Facebook chooses not to provide a sufficient level of detail and transparency on various points including on Cambridge Analytica, dark ads, Facebook Connect, the amount spent by Russia on UK ads on the platform, data collection across the web, budgets for investigations, and that shows general discrepancies between Schroepfer and Zuckerberg’s respective testimonies. Given that these were follow up questions to questions Mr Schroepfer previously failed to answer, we expected both detail and data, and in a number of cases got excuses," Collins noted in a statement.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Collins urged Zuckerberg to appear via video link if he does not plan to present himself in person before the Parliament.&nbsp;

"If Mark Zuckerberg truly recognises the ‘seriousness’ of these issues as they say they do, we would expect that he would want to appear in front of the Committee and answer questions that are of concern not only to Parliament but Facebook’s tens of millions of users in this country. Although Facebook says Mr Zuckerberg has no plans to travel to the UK, we would also be open to taking his evidence by video link, if that would be the only way to do this during the period of our inquiry," read the statement.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Zuckerberg and his social media giant, Facebook, emerge at the centre of a controversy that involves UK-based data analysis company Cambridge Analytica.

Zuckerberg is facing regulatory probes over data breach and privacy violation&nbsp;of around 90 million users.&nbsp;

Zuckerberg is facing regulatory probes over data breach and privacy violation of around 90 million users.

As per reports, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will not be testifying before the UK Parliament. Parliament members had previously noted that Zuckerberg would be summoned to testify in connection to the Cambridge Analytica data leak whenever he is in the country next. Facebook officials have now noted that Zuckerberg does not plan to do so. Parliamentary member Damian Collins called the incident "disappointing". "It is disappointing that a company with the resources of Facebook chooses not to provide a sufficient level of detail and transparency on various points including on Cambridge Analytica, dark ads, Facebook Connect, the amount spent by Russia on UK ads on the platform, data collection across the web, budgets for investigations, and that shows general discrepancies between Schroepfer and Zuckerberg’s respective testimonies. Given that these were follow up questions to questions Mr Schroepfer previously failed to answer, we expected both detail and data, and in a number of cases got excuses," Collins noted in a statement. Collins urged Zuckerberg to appear via video link if he does not plan to present himself in person before the Parliament. "If Mark Zuckerberg truly recognises the ‘seriousness’ of these issues as they say they do, we would expect that he would want to appear in front of the Committee and answer questions that are of concern not only to Parliament but Facebook’s tens of millions of users in this country. Although Facebook says Mr Zuckerberg has no plans to travel to the UK, we would also be open to taking his evidence by video link, if that would be the only way to do this during the period of our inquiry," read the statement. Zuckerberg and his social media giant, Facebook, emerge at the centre of a controversy that involves UK-based data analysis company Cambridge Analytica. Zuckerberg is facing regulatory probes over data breach and privacy violation of around 90 million users.

Mark Zuckerberg may not testify before UK Parliament

According to a British parliamentary committee, Facebook has failed to answer questions from British lawmakers over data privacy and fake news.

Reports suggest that the social networking giant did not fully answer 39 queries and that it would be asked again for the missing details.

The committee had previously noted that Facebook's chief technology officer Mike Schroepfer had not addressed all its concerns during a parliamentary hearing last month after which additional questions were directed to the firm.

Meanwhile, Facebook Inc has so far suspended around 200 apps in the first stage of its review into apps that had access to large quantities of user data, in a response to a scandal around political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

The apps were suspended pending a thorough investigation into whether they misused any data, said Ime Archibong, Facebook's vice president of product partnerships.

Facebook said it has looked into thousands of apps till date as part of an investigation that Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg announced on March 21.

Zuckerberg had said the social network will investigate all apps that had access to large amounts of information before the company curtailed data access in 2014.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Reports suggest that the social networking giant did not fully answer 39 queries and that it would be asked again for the missing details

According to a British parliamentary committee, Facebook has failed to answer questions from British lawmakers over data privacy and fake news. Reports suggest that the social networking giant did not fully answer 39 queries and that it would be asked again for the missing details. The committee had previously noted that Facebook's chief technology officer Mike Schroepfer had not addressed all its concerns during a parliamentary hearing last month after which additional questions were directed to the firm. Meanwhile, Facebook Inc has so far suspended around 200 apps in the first stage of its review into apps that had access to large quantities of user data, in a response to a scandal around political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. The apps were suspended pending a thorough investigation into whether they misused any data, said Ime Archibong, Facebook's vice president of product partnerships. Facebook said it has looked into thousands of apps till date as part of an investigation that Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg announced on March 21. Zuckerberg had said the social network will investigate all apps that had access to large amounts of information before the company curtailed data access in 2014. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK lawmakers say Facebook hasn't fully answered queries on data privacy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunanda-pushkar-death-delhi-police-files-fir-against-congress-mp-shashi-tharoor-136735">Sunanda Pushkar death: Delhi Police names Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in FIR</a>

Delhi Police today filed a First Information Report(FIR) in the death of Sunanda Pushkar, wife of MP Shashi Tharoor, naming the Congress leader as one of the accused.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem-amid-clashes-in-gaza-136710">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem-amid-clashes-in-gaza-136710"> set to open </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem-amid-clashes-in-gaza-136710">embassy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem-amid-clashes-in-gaza-136710"> in Jerusalem amid clashes in Gaza</a>

The United States will open its embassy in Jerusalem today even as Palestinians clash with Isreali forces at Gaza.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-unrest-2-palestinians-killed-35-injured-by-israeli-forces-136718">Gaza unrest: 2 Palestinians killed, 35 injured by Israeli forces</a>

As the United States embassy is all set to shift from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, two Palestinian were killed by Israeli forces during the Gaza protests continuing for the sixth week.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-71-due-to-lightning-thunderstorm-in-5-states-136703">Death toll rises to 71 due to lightning, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-71-due-to-lightning-thunderstorm-in-5-states-136703">thunderstorm</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-71-due-to-lightning-thunderstorm-in-5-states-136703"> in 5 states</a>

As many as 71 people lost their lives in five states, including 42 in Uttar Pradesh, due to lightning and thunderstorms since Sunday, the Home Ministry said today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-mark-zuckerberg-turns-34-heres-exploring-foodie-side-of-facebooks-chief-136701">Life beyond Cambridge Analytica: Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg turns 34</a>

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg rings in his 34th birthday today. The chief of one of the world's biggest social networking giants is well known for his love for fitness and food.

Sunanda Pushkar death: Delhi Police names Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in FIR Delhi Police today filed a First Information Report(FIR) in the death of Sunanda Pushkar, wife of MP Shashi Tharoor, naming the Congress leader as one of the accused. US set to open embassy in Jerusalem amid clashes in Gaza The United States will open its embassy in Jerusalem today even as Palestinians clash with Isreali forces at Gaza. Gaza unrest: 2 Palestinians killed, 35 injured by Israeli forces As the United States embassy is all set to shift from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, two Palestinian were killed by Israeli forces during the Gaza protests continuing for the sixth week. Death toll rises to 71 due to lightning, thunderstorm in 5 states As many as 71 people lost their lives in five states, including 42 in Uttar Pradesh, due to lightning and thunderstorms since Sunday, the Home Ministry said today. Life beyond Cambridge Analytica: Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg turns 34 Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg rings in his 34th birthday today. The chief of one of the world's biggest social networking giants is well known for his love for fitness and food.

WION evening news brief, May 14, 2018

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg rings in his 34th birthday today. The chief of one of the world's biggest social networking giants is well known for his love for fitness and food.

Although, Zuckerberg recently made front-page headlines all across over the Cambridge Analytical scandal, on his special day we decide to cut him some slack and focus on other aspects of his life.

Take a look at this, Zuckerberg was presented a meat-shaped cake last year on his 33rd birthday. No guesses there, the chief loves his steaks.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUIQrZ0jUVl/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">My team got me a meat-shaped cake for my birthday. This made me smile.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zuck/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Mark Zuckerberg</a> (@zuck) on <time datetime="2017-05-15T22:03:47+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 15, 2017 at 3:03pm PDT</time>
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A look at Zuckerberg's social feed suggests his severe love for all things yummy.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf3i30GjdCb/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Baking hamentashen. Chag sameach!</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zuck/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Mark Zuckerberg</a> (@zuck) on <time datetime="2018-03-03T16:32:25+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Mar 3, 2018 at 8:32am PST</time>
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From indulging in customary sweet treats, yummy tidbits to enjoying quiet evenings cooking with beloved wife Priscilla Chan, food assumes great significance in the Zuckerberg world.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPy0p97BWtE/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Happy Lunar New Year! Priscilla and I celebrated by making dumplings. Wishing everyone a great Year of the Rooster full of health, happiness, friends and family. 鸡年吉祥!</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zuck/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Mark Zuckerberg</a> (@zuck) on <time datetime="2017-01-28T04:09:18+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Jan 27, 2017 at 8:09pm PST</time>
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He also believes in keeping fit. Zuckerberg often posts about his fitness goals and challenges that he keeps taking up to keep agile and fit.&nbsp;

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And, not to mention, the chief knows how to keep it light, fun and peppy.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiutJ3Hnui5/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">When your child can now make you breakfast (sort of). Happy Mother's Day!</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zuck/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Mark Zuckerberg</a> (@zuck) on <time datetime="2018-05-13T19:43:16+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 13, 2018 at 12:43pm PDT</time>
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Undeniably, Zuckerberg had a tumultuous year with his company emerging at the centre of a scandal that allegedly compromised the privacy of nearly 90 million users across the globe. The episode created an outcry across the world and led to Zuckerberg appearing for a Congressional hearing last month.&nbsp;

While he continues to face heat over user privacy and data breach, here's wishing that Zuckerberg, world's&nbsp;13th most powerful person (according to Forbes), soon manages to fix all that went amiss. &nbsp;

Happy 34th Zuck!&nbsp;

Zuckerberg also believes in keeping fit. He is often seen posting online about his fitness goals and challenges that he keeps taking up to keep agile and fit

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg rings in his 34th birthday today. The chief of one of the world's biggest social networking giants is well known for his love for fitness and food. Although, Zuckerberg recently made front-page headlines all across over the Cambridge Analytical scandal, on his special day we decide to cut him some slack and focus on other aspects of his life. Take a look at this, Zuckerberg was presented a meat-shaped cake last year on his 33rd birthday. No guesses there, the chief loves his steaks. My team got me a meat-shaped cake for my birthday. This made me smile. A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) on May 15, 2017 at 3:03pm PDT × A look at Zuckerberg's social feed suggests his severe love for all things yummy. Baking hamentashen. Chag sameach! A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) on Mar 3, 2018 at 8:32am PST × From indulging in customary sweet treats, yummy tidbits to enjoying quiet evenings cooking with beloved wife Priscilla Chan, food assumes great significance in the Zuckerberg world. Happy Lunar New Year! Priscilla and I celebrated by making dumplings. Wishing everyone a great Year of the Rooster full of health, happiness, friends and family. 鸡年吉祥! A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) on Jan 27, 2017 at 8:09pm PST × He also believes in keeping fit. Zuckerberg often posts about his fitness goals and challenges that he keeps taking up to keep agile and fit. × And, not to mention, the chief knows how to keep it light, fun and peppy. When your child can now make you breakfast (sort of). Happy Mother's Day! A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) on May 13, 2018 at 12:43pm PDT × Undeniably, Zuckerberg had a tumultuous year with his company emerging at the centre of a scandal that allegedly compromised the privacy of nearly 90 million users across the globe. The episode created an outcry across the world and led to Zuckerberg appearing for a Congressional hearing last month. While he continues to face heat over user privacy and data breach, here's wishing that Zuckerberg, world's 13th most powerful person (according to Forbes), soon manages to fix all that went amiss. Happy 34th Zuck!

Life beyond Cambridge Analytica: Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg turns 34

Cambridge Analytica(CA), <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/never-received-twitter-data-from-gsr-cambridge-analytica-confirms-133927">the firm at the centre of a worldwide data breach</a> of Facebook users, announced today that it was filing for bankruptcy and closing down.

"Despite Cambridge Analytica's unwavering confidence that its employees have acted ethically and lawfully, the siege of media coverage has driven away virtually all of the company's customers and suppliers," the company said in a statement.

"As a result, it has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-soon-to-offer-dating-services-to-users-134111">determined that it is no longer viable to </a>continue operating the business, which left Cambridge Analytica with no realistic alternative to placing the company into administration," it added.

CA said its parent company SCL Elections would also file for bankruptcy even as the chair of UK Parliament committee investigating the firm raised concerns over Cambridge Analytica and SCL Elections closing down.

"They are party to very serious investigations and those investigations cannot be impeded by the closure of these companies," said MP Damian Collins.

"I think it's absolutely vital that the closure of these companies is not used as an excuse to try and limit or restrict the ability of the authorities to investigate what they were doing," Collins added.

Cambridge Analytica's data breach which allegedly involved millions of users of Facebook users linked to US president Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign snowballed into a worldwide controversy after reports emerged several countries including Indian users' social networking account was hacked.&nbsp;

Trump's campaign team, however, denied it ever used CA's data.

CA in its closing statement defended its decision to close down, adding: "This doesn't change our commitment and determination to understand exactly what happened and make sure it doesn't happen again."

As the data breach scandal became public, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was called in by the US House committee to answer questions on the details of the breach. Facebook is conducting its own investigation into the matter and has since tightened its privacy restrictions.

According to Facebook, data on up to 87 million of its users was harvested by an app and then passed on to the political consultancy.

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Cambridge Analytica's data breach allegedly involved millions of users of Facebook users linked to US president Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign

Cambridge Analytica(CA), the firm at the centre of a worldwide data breach of Facebook users, announced today that it was filing for bankruptcy and closing down. "Despite Cambridge Analytica's unwavering confidence that its employees have acted ethically and lawfully, the siege of media coverage has driven away virtually all of the company's customers and suppliers," the company said in a statement. "As a result, it has been determined that it is no longer viable to continue operating the business, which left Cambridge Analytica with no realistic alternative to placing the company into administration," it added. CA said its parent company SCL Elections would also file for bankruptcy even as the chair of UK Parliament committee investigating the firm raised concerns over Cambridge Analytica and SCL Elections closing down. "They are party to very serious investigations and those investigations cannot be impeded by the closure of these companies," said MP Damian Collins. "I think it's absolutely vital that the closure of these companies is not used as an excuse to try and limit or restrict the ability of the authorities to investigate what they were doing," Collins added. Cambridge Analytica's data breach which allegedly involved millions of users of Facebook users linked to US president Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign snowballed into a worldwide controversy after reports emerged several countries including Indian users' social networking account was hacked. Trump's campaign team, however, denied it ever used CA's data. CA in its closing statement defended its decision to close down, adding: "This doesn't change our commitment and determination to understand exactly what happened and make sure it doesn't happen again." As the data breach scandal became public, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was called in by the US House committee to answer questions on the details of the breach. Facebook is conducting its own investigation into the matter and has since tightened its privacy restrictions. According to Facebook, data on up to 87 million of its users was harvested by an app and then passed on to the political consultancy.

Investigations cannot be impeded by closure of Cambridge Analytica: UK Parliament committee

Social networking site Facebook will soon offer dating services to its users, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Tuesday.

While addressing&nbsp;Facebook's annual F8 conference, he told software developers&nbsp;"There are 200 million people on Facebook that list themselves as single, so clearly there's something to do here".

Zuckerberg also added that the platform was trying to build up the service by securing the privacy of its users as the social media was recently jolted over the scandal of handling personal information of its users.&nbsp;

A prototype of the new feature was revealed at the conference. The prototype, displayed on&nbsp;the screen,&nbsp;showed a heart shape at the top-right corner of the Facebook app. On clicking the icon the users would be directed to their dating profile if they have created one.&nbsp;

Potential matches would be suggested on the basis of dating preferences, things in common and mutual friends. The feature will also have two buttons for "pass" and "interested".

Zuckerberg also clarified that the optional feature will be for finding long-term relationships and "not just hook-ups".

The feature will matchmake millions of users present on the Facebook.It will also push the users into spending more time on its platform.

There was a reduction in the time spent by Facebook users on its platform at the end of 2017. The social media had revealed that the at the end of 2017, time spent by its users had fallen by about 50 million hours a day. This was due to the changes designed to reduce passive video watching.

The social media had thought of devising the plan for over a decade now.

Though no specified time has been announced for the new feature, the officials said that it will be launched soon.

Facebook's shares rose 1.1 per cent to close at $173.86 after the CEO disclosed the plan.

The new feature on Facebook will be a big competition for the already existing dating apps such as Tinder and OkCupid.&nbsp; 
 
 
 
(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Zuckerberg also clarified that the optional feature will be for finding long-term relationships and 'not just hook-ups'

Social networking site Facebook will soon offer dating services to its users, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Tuesday. While addressing Facebook's annual F8 conference, he told software developers "There are 200 million people on Facebook that list themselves as single, so clearly there's something to do here". Zuckerberg also added that the platform was trying to build up the service by securing the privacy of its users as the social media was recently jolted over the scandal of handling personal information of its users. A prototype of the new feature was revealed at the conference. The prototype, displayed on the screen, showed a heart shape at the top-right corner of the Facebook app. On clicking the icon the users would be directed to their dating profile if they have created one. Potential matches would be suggested on the basis of dating preferences, things in common and mutual friends. The feature will also have two buttons for "pass" and "interested". Zuckerberg also clarified that the optional feature will be for finding long-term relationships and "not just hook-ups". The feature will matchmake millions of users present on the Facebook.It will also push the users into spending more time on its platform. There was a reduction in the time spent by Facebook users on its platform at the end of 2017. The social media had revealed that the at the end of 2017, time spent by its users had fallen by about 50 million hours a day. This was due to the changes designed to reduce passive video watching. The social media had thought of devising the plan for over a decade now. Though no specified time has been announced for the new feature, the officials said that it will be launched soon. Facebook's shares rose 1.1 per cent to close at $173.86 after the CEO disclosed the plan. The new feature on Facebook will be a big competition for the already existing dating apps such as Tinder and OkCupid. (With inputs from Reuters)

Now, Facebook to soon offer dating services

British parliamentarians said they were prepared to issue formal summons for Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg to appear before them and answer questions over a data scandal which has engulfed the technology giant.

The social network has faced questions on both sides of the Atlantic over how millions of users' details got into the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, and over its wider handling of personal data.

Zuckerberg previously declined to come in person to answer questions from British lawmakers, instead sending Facebook's Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer to face a four-hour grilling last month. Schroepfer apologised for errors made by the firm and vowed to do more to improve transparency.

But the head of parliament's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee Damian Collins said on Tuesday he still wanted Zuckerberg to appear before lawmakers, ideally by May 24, and listed 39 questions or points which remained unanswered.

"While Mr Zuckerberg does not normally come under the jurisdiction of the UK parliament, he will do so the next time he enters the country," Collins wrote in a letter.

"We hope that he will respond positively to our request, but if not the Committee will resolve to issue a formal summons for him to appear when he is next in the UK."

Zuckerberg previously declined to come in person to answer questions from British lawmakers, instead sending Facebook's Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer to face a four-hour grilling last month

British parliamentarians said they were prepared to issue formal summons for Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg to appear before them and answer questions over a data scandal which has engulfed the technology giant. The social network has faced questions on both sides of the Atlantic over how millions of users' details got into the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, and over its wider handling of personal data. Zuckerberg previously declined to come in person to answer questions from British lawmakers, instead sending Facebook's Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer to face a four-hour grilling last month. Schroepfer apologised for errors made by the firm and vowed to do more to improve transparency. But the head of parliament's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee Damian Collins said on Tuesday he still wanted Zuckerberg to appear before lawmakers, ideally by May 24, and listed 39 questions or points which remained unanswered. "While Mr Zuckerberg does not normally come under the jurisdiction of the UK parliament, he will do so the next time he enters the country," Collins wrote in a letter. "We hope that he will respond positively to our request, but if not the Committee will resolve to issue a formal summons for him to appear when he is next in the UK."

UK lawmakers prepared to summon Facebook boss Zuckerberg over data scandal

Cambridge Analytica has confirmed that, although GSR (Global Science Research) had many other clients and it was the only contractor with Cambridge Analytica, no Twitter data was received from GSR.&nbsp;

"Cambridge Analytica has never received Twitter data from GSR or Aleksandr Kogan, and has never done any work with GSR on Twitter data. GSR was only ever a contractor to Cambridge Analytica and we understand it did work for many other companies," the&nbsp;UK-based political consulting firm noted in a tweet.&nbsp;

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Cambridge Analytica has never received Twitter data from GSR or 
Aleksandr Kogan, and has never done any work with GSR on Twitter data. GSR was only ever a contractor to Cambridge Analytica and we understand it did work for many other companies.
— Cambridge Analytica (@CamAnalytica) <a href="https://twitter.com/CamAnalytica/status/990959309231132672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, a news report by The Sunday Telegraph noted that Aleksandr Kogan, who created tools for Cambridge Analytica to psychologically profile and target voters, bought Twitter data in 2015.

Kogan-led Global Science Research (GSR) had access to Twitter data.&nbsp;

The report stated that Kogan bought tweets, usernames, photos, profile pictures and location data from Twitter over a five-month period between December 2014 and April 2015 through GSR.

Meanwhile, in a press release issued earlier today, Cambridge Analytical noted that it&nbsp;is a politically neutral company. "Globally, we work across the mainstream political spectrum," the release&nbsp;titled 'Time for facts not conjecture' read.

“It has become open season for critics to say whatever they like about us based on speculation and hearsay,” said the acting CEO Alexander Tayler.

The release stated, in deep, ten facts associated with the company explaining&nbsp;in detail the nature of the work it deals in.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"No laws were broken. Cambridge Analytica did not “hack” Facebook. A research company (GSR) licensed the data to us, which they legally obtained via a tool provided by Facebook. Cambridge Analytica did not use the GSR data or any derivatives of this data in the US Presidential Election. We used data from the RNC, data from public sources such as the voter registry. The claims that we used GSR data for the Trump campaign are simply untrue. Cambridge Analytica did provide polling, data analytics and digital marketing for the Trump campaign," the release stated.

It also confirmed that the company did not work at all on the Brexit Referendum and&nbsp;only collects data with informed consent.&nbsp;

"Mr Wylie is not a whistle-blower. He has repeatedly-claimed to be a founder of Cambridge Analytica. In reality, he was a contractor of SCL Elections and left in mid-2014," the release read.

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&nbsp;

Kogan had started Global Science Research (GSR), which was granted access to Twitter data

Cambridge Analytica has confirmed that, although GSR (Global Science Research) had many other clients and it was the only contractor with Cambridge Analytica, no Twitter data was received from GSR. "Cambridge Analytica has never received Twitter data from GSR or Aleksandr Kogan, and has never done any work with GSR on Twitter data. GSR was only ever a contractor to Cambridge Analytica and we understand it did work for many other companies," the UK-based political consulting firm noted in a tweet. Cambridge Analytica has never received Twitter data from GSR or Aleksandr Kogan, and has never done any work with GSR on Twitter data. GSR was only ever a contractor to Cambridge Analytica and we understand it did work for many other companies. — Cambridge Analytica (@CamAnalytica) April 30, 2018 × On Monday, a news report by The Sunday Telegraph noted that Aleksandr Kogan, who created tools for Cambridge Analytica to psychologically profile and target voters, bought Twitter data in 2015. Kogan-led Global Science Research (GSR) had access to Twitter data. The report stated that Kogan bought tweets, usernames, photos, profile pictures and location data from Twitter over a five-month period between December 2014 and April 2015 through GSR. Meanwhile, in a press release issued earlier today, Cambridge Analytical noted that it is a politically neutral company. "Globally, we work across the mainstream political spectrum," the release titled 'Time for facts not conjecture' read. “It has become open season for critics to say whatever they like about us based on speculation and hearsay,” said the acting CEO Alexander Tayler. The release stated, in deep, ten facts associated with the company explaining in detail the nature of the work it deals in. "No laws were broken. Cambridge Analytica did not “hack” Facebook. A research company (GSR) licensed the data to us, which they legally obtained via a tool provided by Facebook. Cambridge Analytica did not use the GSR data or any derivatives of this data in the US Presidential Election. We used data from the RNC, data from public sources such as the voter registry. The claims that we used GSR data for the Trump campaign are simply untrue. Cambridge Analytica did provide polling, data analytics and digital marketing for the Trump campaign," the release stated. It also confirmed that the company did not work at all on the Brexit Referendum and only collects data with informed consent. "Mr Wylie is not a whistle-blower. He has repeatedly-claimed to be a founder of Cambridge Analytica. In reality, he was a contractor of SCL Elections and left in mid-2014," the release read. ×

Never received Twitter data from GSR: Cambridge Analytica confirms 

Facebook Inc on Tuesday gave an explanation for the types of posts it allows on its social network, giving far more detail than ever before on what is permitted on subjects ranging from drug use and sex work to bullying, hate speech and inciting violence.

Facebook for years has had "community standards" for what people can post. But only a relatively brief and general version was publicly available, while it had a far more detailed internal document to decide when individual posts or accounts should be removed.

Now, the company is providing the longer document on its website to clear up confusion and be more open about its operations, said Monika Bickert, Facebook's vice president of product policy and counter-terrorism.

New policies will, for the first time, allow people to appeal a decision to take down an individual piece of content. Previously, only the removal of accounts, Groups and Pages could be appealed.

Facebook is also beginning to provide the specific reason why content is being taken down for a wider variety of situations.

Facebook, the world's largest social network, has become a dominant source of information in many countries around the world. It uses both automated software and an army of moderators that now numbers 7,500 to take down text, pictures and videos that violate its rules. Under pressure from several governments, it has been beefing up its moderator ranks since last year.

Appeals

We know we need to do more. That’s why, over the coming year, we are going to build out the ability for people to appeal our decisions. As a first step, we are launching appeals for posts that were removed for nudity/sexual activity, hate speech or graphic violence.

Here’s how it works:

<ul>
	<li>If your photo, video or post has been removed because it violates our Community Standards, you will be notified, and given the option to request additional review.</li>
	<li>This will lead to a review by our team (always by a person), typically within 24 hours.</li>
	<li>If we’ve made a mistake, we will notify you, and your post, photo or video will be restored.</li>
</ul>

Participation and Feedback

Our efforts to improve and refine our Community Standards depend on participation and input from people around the world. In May, we will launch Facebook Forums: Community Standards, a series of public events in Germany, France, the UK, India, Singapore, the US and other countries where we’ll get people’s feedback directly. We will share more details about these initiatives as we finalize them.

As our CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at the start of the year: “we won’t prevent all mistakes or abuse, but we currently make too many errors enforcing our policies and preventing misuse of our tools.” Publication of today’s internal enforcement guidelines – as well as the expansion of our appeals process – will create a clear path for us to improve over time. These are hard issues and we’re excited to do better going forward.

Meanwhile, Facebook has long made clear that it does not allow people to buy and sell prescription drugs, marijuana or firearms on the social network, but the newly published document details what another speech on those subjects is permitted.

Content in which someone "admits to personal use of non-medical drugs" should not be posted on Facebook, the rulebook says.

The document elaborates on harassment and bullying, barring for example "cursing at a minor." It also prohibits content that comes from a hacked source, "except in limited cases of newsworthiness."

The new community standards do not incorporate separate procedures under which governments can demand the removal of content that violates local law.

In those cases, Bickert said, formal written requests are required and are reviewed by Facebook's legal team and outside attorneys. Content deemed to be permissible under community standards but in violation of the local law - such as a prohibition in Thailand on disparaging the royal family - are then blocked in that country, but not globally.

The community standards also do not address false information - Facebook does not prohibit it but it does try to reduce its distribution - or other contentious issues such as the use of personal data.

New policies will, for the first time, allow people to appeal a decision to take down an individual piece of content. Previously, only the removal of accounts, Groups and Pages could be appealed

Facebook Inc on Tuesday gave an explanation for the types of posts it allows on its social network, giving far more detail than ever before on what is permitted on subjects ranging from drug use and sex work to bullying, hate speech and inciting violence. Facebook for years has had "community standards" for what people can post. But only a relatively brief and general version was publicly available, while it had a far more detailed internal document to decide when individual posts or accounts should be removed. Now, the company is providing the longer document on its website to clear up confusion and be more open about its operations, said Monika Bickert, Facebook's vice president of product policy and counter-terrorism. New policies will, for the first time, allow people to appeal a decision to take down an individual piece of content. Previously, only the removal of accounts, Groups and Pages could be appealed. Facebook is also beginning to provide the specific reason why content is being taken down for a wider variety of situations. Facebook, the world's largest social network, has become a dominant source of information in many countries around the world. It uses both automated software and an army of moderators that now numbers 7,500 to take down text, pictures and videos that violate its rules. Under pressure from several governments, it has been beefing up its moderator ranks since last year. Appeals We know we need to do more. That’s why, over the coming year, we are going to build out the ability for people to appeal our decisions. As a first step, we are launching appeals for posts that were removed for nudity/sexual activity, hate speech or graphic violence. Here’s how it works: If your photo, video or post has been removed because it violates our Community Standards, you will be notified, and given the option to request additional review. This will lead to a review by our team (always by a person), typically within 24 hours. If we’ve made a mistake, we will notify you, and your post, photo or video will be restored. Participation and Feedback Our efforts to improve and refine our Community Standards depend on participation and input from people around the world. In May, we will launch Facebook Forums: Community Standards, a series of public events in Germany, France, the UK, India, Singapore, the US and other countries where we’ll get people’s feedback directly. We will share more details about these initiatives as we finalize them. As our CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at the start of the year: “we won’t prevent all mistakes or abuse, but we currently make too many errors enforcing our policies and preventing misuse of our tools.” Publication of today’s internal enforcement guidelines – as well as the expansion of our appeals process – will create a clear path for us to improve over time. These are hard issues and we’re excited to do better going forward. Meanwhile, Facebook has long made clear that it does not allow people to buy and sell prescription drugs, marijuana or firearms on the social network, but the newly published document details what another speech on those subjects is permitted. Content in which someone "admits to personal use of non-medical drugs" should not be posted on Facebook, the rulebook says. The document elaborates on harassment and bullying, barring for example "cursing at a minor." It also prohibits content that comes from a hacked source, "except in limited cases of newsworthiness." The new community standards do not incorporate separate procedures under which governments can demand the removal of content that violates local law. In those cases, Bickert said, formal written requests are required and are reviewed by Facebook's legal team and outside attorneys. Content deemed to be permissible under community standards but in violation of the local law - such as a prohibition in Thailand on disparaging the royal family - are then blocked in that country, but not globally. The community standards also do not address false information - Facebook does not prohibit it but it does try to reduce its distribution - or other contentious issues such as the use of personal data.

Facebook releases long-secret rules on how it polices the service

Mark Zuckerberg testified before the US Congress last week over Facebook's data breach issue and answered around 500 question in the five-hour-long interaction.

Now, Facebook has answered some questions that perhaps the users would be unaware of. The clarification came on Monday in a post written by Facebook's product management director David Baser, who leads a team at the company that focuses on privacy and data use and the tools users can use to control and download their information.&nbsp;

Baser listed the various ways that Facebook gets data about people from other websites and apps: social plug-ins like Facebook’s “share” and “like” buttons the Facebook login, which one can use to enter into another website or app Facebook Analytics, which lets those other sites and apps better understand how folks use their services plus other tools which let sites and apps serve and measure the effectiveness of ads.&nbsp;

He informed that when a user visits a site or app that uses Facebook's services, they receive information even if the user is logged out or don’t have a Facebook account. This is because other apps and sites don’t know who is using Facebook.

Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn all have similar Like and Share buttons to help people share things on their services. Google has a popular analytics service. And Amazon, Google and Twitter all offer login features. These companies — and many others — also offer advertising services.

Apps and websites that use Facebook's services, such as the Like button or Facebook Analytics, send them information to make their content and ads better.

The website also gets information about the browser and operating system (for example Android or Windows) a user is using because not all browsers and devices support the same features. It also gets cookies, which are identifiers that websites use to know if a user has visited before. This can help with things like saving items in their shopping cart.

Baser goes on to say that Facebook uses the information it gets to provide various services to these sites or apps, including the manner in which such sites can show ads.

There are three main ways in which Facebook uses the information they get from other websites and apps: providing our services to these sites or apps improving safety and security on Facebook and enhancing our own products and services.&nbsp;

He finally mentioned how a user is in full control of their information on Facebook and be transparent about what information Facebook has and how it is used.&nbsp;

The clarification came on Monday in a post written by Facebook product management director David Baser, who leads a team at the company that focuses on privacy and data use and the tools users can use to control and download their information

Mark Zuckerberg testified before the US Congress last week over Facebook's data breach issue and answered around 500 question in the five-hour-long interaction. Now, Facebook has answered some questions that perhaps the users would be unaware of. The clarification came on Monday in a post written by Facebook's product management director David Baser, who leads a team at the company that focuses on privacy and data use and the tools users can use to control and download their information. Baser listed the various ways that Facebook gets data about people from other websites and apps: social plug-ins like Facebook’s “share” and “like” buttons the Facebook login, which one can use to enter into another website or app Facebook Analytics, which lets those other sites and apps better understand how folks use their services plus other tools which let sites and apps serve and measure the effectiveness of ads. He informed that when a user visits a site or app that uses Facebook's services, they receive information even if the user is logged out or don’t have a Facebook account. This is because other apps and sites don’t know who is using Facebook. Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn all have similar Like and Share buttons to help people share things on their services. Google has a popular analytics service. And Amazon, Google and Twitter all offer login features. These companies — and many others — also offer advertising services. Apps and websites that use Facebook's services, such as the Like button or Facebook Analytics, send them information to make their content and ads better. The website also gets information about the browser and operating system (for example Android or Windows) a user is using because not all browsers and devices support the same features. It also gets cookies, which are identifiers that websites use to know if a user has visited before. This can help with things like saving items in their shopping cart. Baser goes on to say that Facebook uses the information it gets to provide various services to these sites or apps, including the manner in which such sites can show ads. There are three main ways in which Facebook uses the information they get from other websites and apps: providing our services to these sites or apps improving safety and security on Facebook and enhancing our own products and services. He finally mentioned how a user is in full control of their information on Facebook and be transparent about what information Facebook has and how it is used.

How does Facebook collect user, non-user data? Company clarifies

Concern about Facebook&nbsp;respect for data privacy is widening to include the information it collects about non-users, after Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said the world's largest social network tracks people whether they have accounts or not.

Privacy concerns have swamped Facebook since it acknowledged last month that information about millions of users wrongly ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, a firm that has counted US President Donald Trump's 2016 electoral campaign among its clients.&nbsp;

Zuckerberg said on Wednesday under questioning by US Representative Ben Luján that, for security reasons, Facebook also collects "data of people who have not signed up for Facebook."

Lawmakers and privacy advocates immediately protested the practice, with many saying Facebook needed to develop a way for non-users to find out what the company knows about them.&nbsp;

"We've got to fix that," Representative Luján, a Democrat, told Zuckerberg, calling for such disclosure, a move that would have unclear effects on the company's ability to target ads. Zuckerberg did not respond. On Friday Facebook said it had no plans to build such a tool.

Critics said that Zuckerberg has not said enough about the extent and use of the data. "It's not clear what Facebook is doing with that information," said Chris Calabrese, vice president for policy at the Center for Democracy & Technology, a Washington advocacy group.

Cookies Everywhere

Facebook gets some data on non-users from people on its network, such as when a user uploads email addresses of friends. Other information comes from "cookies," small files stored via a browser and used by Facebook and others to track people on the internet, sometimes to target them with ads.

"This kind of data collection is fundamental to how the internet works," Facebook said in a statement to Reuters.

Asked if people could opt out, Facebook added, "There are basic things you can do to limit the use of this information for advertising, like using browser or device settings to delete cookies. This would apply to other services beyond Facebook because, as mentioned, it is standard to how the internet works."&nbsp;

Facebook often installs cookies on non-users` browsers if they visit sites with Facebook "like" and "share" buttons, whether or not a person pushes a button. Facebook said it uses browsing data to create analytics reports, including about traffic to a site.

The company said it does not use the data to target ads, except those inviting people to join Facebook.

Targeting Facebook

Advocates and lawmakers say they are singling out Facebook because of its size, rivaled outside China only by Alphabet Google, and because they allege Zuckerberg was not forthcoming about the extent and reasons for the tracking.

"He's either deliberately misunderstanding some of the questions, or he's not clear about what's actually happening inside Facebook's operation," said Daniel Kahn Gillmor, a senior staff technologist at the American Civil Liberties Union.

Zuckerberg, for instance, said the collection was done for security purposes, without explaining further or saying whether it was also used for measurement or analytics, Gillmor said, adding that Facebook had a business incentive to use the non-user data to target ads.&nbsp;

Facebook declined to comment on why Zuckerberg referred to security only.&nbsp;

Gillmor said Facebook could build databases on non-users by combining web browsing history with uploaded contacts. Facebook said on Friday that it does not do so.&nbsp;

The ACLU is pushing US lawmakers to enact broad privacy legislation including a requirement for consent prior to data collection.

The first regulatory challenge to Facebook's practices for non-users may come next month when a new European Union law, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), takes effect and requires notice and consent prior to data collection.

At a minimum, "Facebook is going to have to think about ways to structure their technology to give that proper notice," said Woodrow Hartzog, a Northeastern University professor of law and computer science.

Facebook said in its statement on Friday, "Our products and services comply with applicable law and will comply with GDPR."&nbsp;

The social network would be wise to recognize at least a right to know, said Michael Froomkin, a University of Miami law professor.

"If I'm not a Facebook user, I ought to have a right to know what data Facebook has about me," Froomkin said.&nbsp;

Facebook also collects 'data of people who have not signed up for Facebook', Zuckerberg said while being questioned in the US Congress

Concern about Facebook respect for data privacy is widening to include the information it collects about non-users, after Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said the world's largest social network tracks people whether they have accounts or not. Privacy concerns have swamped Facebook since it acknowledged last month that information about millions of users wrongly ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, a firm that has counted US President Donald Trump's 2016 electoral campaign among its clients. Zuckerberg said on Wednesday under questioning by US Representative Ben Luján that, for security reasons, Facebook also collects "data of people who have not signed up for Facebook." Lawmakers and privacy advocates immediately protested the practice, with many saying Facebook needed to develop a way for non-users to find out what the company knows about them. "We've got to fix that," Representative Luján, a Democrat, told Zuckerberg, calling for such disclosure, a move that would have unclear effects on the company's ability to target ads. Zuckerberg did not respond. On Friday Facebook said it had no plans to build such a tool. Critics said that Zuckerberg has not said enough about the extent and use of the data. "It's not clear what Facebook is doing with that information," said Chris Calabrese, vice president for policy at the Center for Democracy & Technology, a Washington advocacy group. Cookies Everywhere Facebook gets some data on non-users from people on its network, such as when a user uploads email addresses of friends. Other information comes from "cookies," small files stored via a browser and used by Facebook and others to track people on the internet, sometimes to target them with ads. "This kind of data collection is fundamental to how the internet works," Facebook said in a statement to Reuters. Asked if people could opt out, Facebook added, "There are basic things you can do to limit the use of this information for advertising, like using browser or device settings to delete cookies. This would apply to other services beyond Facebook because, as mentioned, it is standard to how the internet works." Facebook often installs cookies on non-users` browsers if they visit sites with Facebook "like" and "share" buttons, whether or not a person pushes a button. Facebook said it uses browsing data to create analytics reports, including about traffic to a site. The company said it does not use the data to target ads, except those inviting people to join Facebook. Targeting Facebook Advocates and lawmakers say they are singling out Facebook because of its size, rivaled outside China only by Alphabet Google, and because they allege Zuckerberg was not forthcoming about the extent and reasons for the tracking. "He's either deliberately misunderstanding some of the questions, or he's not clear about what's actually happening inside Facebook's operation," said Daniel Kahn Gillmor, a senior staff technologist at the American Civil Liberties Union. Zuckerberg, for instance, said the collection was done for security purposes, without explaining further or saying whether it was also used for measurement or analytics, Gillmor said, adding that Facebook had a business incentive to use the non-user data to target ads. Facebook declined to comment on why Zuckerberg referred to security only. Gillmor said Facebook could build databases on non-users by combining web browsing history with uploaded contacts. Facebook said on Friday that it does not do so. The ACLU is pushing US lawmakers to enact broad privacy legislation including a requirement for consent prior to data collection. The first regulatory challenge to Facebook's practices for non-users may come next month when a new European Union law, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), takes effect and requires notice and consent prior to data collection. At a minimum, "Facebook is going to have to think about ways to structure their technology to give that proper notice," said Woodrow Hartzog, a Northeastern University professor of law and computer science. Facebook said in its statement on Friday, "Our products and services comply with applicable law and will comply with GDPR." The social network would be wise to recognize at least a right to know, said Michael Froomkin, a University of Miami law professor. "If I'm not a Facebook user, I ought to have a right to know what data Facebook has about me," Froomkin said.

Facebook also tracks non-users, says Mark Zuckerberg

HEARING BEFORE THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE

April 11, 2018

Testimony of Mark Zuckerberg

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Facebook

I. INTRODUCTION 
&nbsp

Chairman Walden, Ranking Member Pallone, and Members of the Committee,

We face a number of important issues around privacy, safety, and democracy, and you will rightfully have some hard questions for me to answer. Before I talk about the steps we’re taking to address them, I want to talk about how we got here. Facebook is an idealistic and optimistic company. For most of our existence, we focused on all the good that connecting people can bring. As Facebook has grown, people everywhere have gotten a powerful new tool to stay connected to the people they love, make their voices heard, and build communities and businesses. Just recently, we’ve seen the #metoo movement and the March for Our Lives, organized, at least in part, on Facebook. After Hurricane Harvey, people raised more than $20 million for relief. And more than 70 million small businesses now use Facebook to grow and create jobs. But it’s clear now that we didn’t do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm as well. That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy. We didn’t take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake. It was my mistake, and I’m sorry. I started Facebook, I run it, and I’m responsible for what happens here.

So now we have to go through every part of our relationship with people and make sure we’re taking a broad enough view of our responsibility. It’s not enough to just connect people, we have to make sure those connections are positive. It’s not enough to just give people a voice, we have to make sure people aren’t using it to hurt people or spread misinformation. It’s not enough to give people control of their information, we have to make sure developers they’ve given it to are protecting it too. Across the board, we have a responsibility to not just build tools, but to make sure those tools are used for good. It will take some time to work through all of the changes we need to make, but I’m committed to 
getting it right. That includes improving the way we protect people’s information and safeguard elections around the world. Here are a few key things we’re doing:

II. CAMBRIDGE ANALYTICA

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been working to understand exactly what happened with Cambridge Analytica and taking steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again. We took important actions to prevent this from happening again today four years ago, but we also made 
mistakes, there’s more to do, and we need to step up and do it.

A. What Happened

In 2007, we launched the Facebook Platform with the vision that more apps should be social. Your calendar should be able to show your friends’ birthdays, your maps should show where your friends live, and your address book should show their pictures. To do this, we enabled 
people to log into apps and share who their friends were and some information about them In 2013, a Cambridge University researcher named Aleksandr Kogan created a personality quiz app. It was installed by around 300,000 people who agreed to share some of their Facebook 
information as well as some information from their friends whose privacy settings allowed it. Given the way our platform worked at the time this meant Kogan was able to access some information about tens of millions of their friends.

In 2014, to prevent abusive apps, we announced that we were changing the entire platform to dramatically limit the Facebook information apps could access. Most importantly, apps like Kogan’s could no longer ask for information about a person’s friends unless their friends had 
also authorized the app. We also required developers to get approval from Facebook before they could request any data beyond a user’s public profile, friend list, and email address. These actions would prevent any app like Kogan’s from being able to access as much Facebook data today.

In 2015, we learned from journalists at The Guardian that Kogan had shared data from his app with Cambridge Analytica. It is against our policies for developers to share data without people’s consent, so we immediately banned Kogan’s app from our platform, and demanded that Kogan and other entities he gave the data to, including Cambridge Analytica, formally certify that they had deleted all improperly acquired data — which they ultimately did. Last month, we learned from The Guardian, The New York Times and Channel 4 that Cambridge Analytica may not have deleted the data as they had certified. We immediately banned them from using any of our services. Cambridge Analytica claims they have already deleted the data and has agreed to a forensic audit by a firm we hired to investigate this. We’re also working with 
the UK&nbspInformation Commissioner’s Office, which has jurisdiction over Cambridge Analytica, as it completes its investigation into what happened.

B. What We Are Doing

We have a responsibility to make sure what happened with Kogan and Cambridge Analytica doesn’t happen again. Here are some of the steps we’re taking:

<ul>
	<li>Safeguarding our platform. We need to make sure that developers like Kogan who got access to a lot of information in the past can’t get access to as much information going forward.We made some big changes to the Facebook platform in 2014 to dramatically restrict the amount of data that developers can access and to proactively review the apps on our platform. This makes it so a developer today can’t do what Kogan did years ago.</li>
	<li>But there’s more we can do here to limit the information developers can access. and put more safeguards in place to prevent abuse.</li>
</ul>

We’re removing developers’ access to your data if you haven’t used their app in three months.

We’re reducing the data you give an app when you approve it to only your name, profile photo, and email address. That’s a lot less than apps can get on any other major app platform.

We’re requiring developers to not only get approval but also to sign a contract that imposes strict requirements in order to ask anyone for access to their posts or other private data.

We’re restricting more APIs like groups and events. You should be able to sign into apps and share your public information easily, but anything that might also share other people’s information — like other posts in groups you’re in or other people going to events you’re going to — will be much more restricted. Two weeks ago, we found out that a feature that lets you look someone up by their phone number and email was abused. This feature is useful in cases where people have the same name, but it was abused to link people’s public Facebook information to a phone number they already had. When we found out about the abuse, we shut this feature down.

<ul>
	<li>Investigating other apps. We’re in the process of investigating every app that had access to a large amount of information before we locked down our platform in 2014. If we detect suspicious activity, we’ll do a full forensic audit. And if we find that someone is improperly using data, we’ll ban them and tell everyone affected.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp

<ul>
	<li>Building better controls. Finally, we’re making it easier to understand which apps you’ve allowed to access your data. This week we started showing everyone a list of the apps you’ve used and an easy way to revoke their permissions to your data. You can already do this in your privacy settings, but we’re going to put it at the top of News Feed to make sure everyone sees it. And we also told everyone whose Facebook information may have been shared with Cambridge Analytica. Beyond the steps we had already taken in 2014, I believe these are the next steps we must take to continue to secure our platform.</li>
</ul>

 
III. RUSSIAN ELECTION INTERFERENCE

Facebook’s mission is about giving people a voice and bringing people closer together. Those are deeply democratic values and we’re proud of them. I don’t want anyone to use our tools to undermine democracy. That’s not what we stand for. We were too slow to spot and respond to Russian interference, and we’re working hard to get better. Our sophistication in handling these threats is growing and improving quickly. We will continue working with the government to understand the full extent of Russian interference, and we will do our part not only to ensure the integrity of free and fair elections around the world, but also to give everyone a voice and to be a force for good in democracy everywhere.

A. What Happened

Elections have always been especially sensitive times for our security team, and the 2016 US&nbsppresidential election was no exception. Our security team has been aware of traditional Russian cyber threats — like hacking and malware — for years. Leading up to Election Day in November 2016, we detected and dealt with several threats with ties to Russia. This included activity by a group called APT28, that the US government has publicly linked to Russian military intelligence services. But while our primary focus was on traditional threats, we also saw some new behavior in the summer of 2016 when APT28-related accounts, under the banner of DC Leaks, created fake personas that were used to seed stolen information to journalists. We shut these accounts down for violating our policies.

After the election, we continued to investigate and learn more about these new threats. What we found was that bad actors had used coordinated networks of fake accounts to interfere in the election: promoting or attacking specific candidates and causes, creating distrust in political institutions, or simply spreading confusion. Some of these bad actors also used our ads tools. We also learned about a disinformation campaign run by the Internet Research Agency (IRA) — a Russian agency that has repeatedly acted deceptively and tried to manipulate people in the US, Europe, and Russia. We found about 470 accounts and pages linked to the IRA, which generated around 80,000 Facebook posts over about a two-year period. Our best estimate is that approximately 126 million people may have been served content from a Facebook Page associated with the IRA at some point during that period. On Instagram, where our data on reach is not as complete, we found about 120,000 pieces of content, and estimate that an additional 20 million people were likely served it. Over the same period, the IRA also spent approximately $100,000 on more than 3,000 ads on&nbspFacebook and Instagram, which were seen by an estimated 11 million people in the United States. We shut down these IRA accounts in August 2017.

B. What We Are Doing 
&nbsp

There’s no question that we should have spotted Russian interference earlier, and we’re working hard to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Our actions include: 
&nbsp

<ul>
	<li>Building new technology to prevent abuse. Since 2016, we have improved our techniques to prevent nation states from interfering in foreign elections, and we’ve built more advanced AI tools to remove fake accounts more generally. There have been a number of important elections since then where these new tools have been successfully deployed.</li>
</ul>

For example:

In France, leading up to the presidential election in 2017, we found and took down 30,000 fake accounts.

In Germany, before the 2017 elections, we worked directly with the election commission to learn from them about the threats they saw and to share information.

In the US&nbspSenate Alabama special election last year, we deployed new AI tools that proactively detected and removed fake accounts from Macedonia trying to spread misinformation.

We have disabled thousands of accounts tied to organized, financially motivated fake news spammers. These investigations have been used to improve our automated systems that find fake accounts.

Last week, we took down more than 270 additional pages and accounts operated by the IRA and used to target people in Russia and Russian speakers in countries like Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. Some of the pages we removed belong to Russian news organizations that we determined were controlled by the IRA. 
&nbsp

<ul>
	<li>Significantly increasing our investment in security. We now have about 15,000 people working on security and content review. We’ll have more than 20,000 by the end of this year.</li>
</ul>

I’ve directed our teams to invest so much in security — on top of the other investments we’re making — that it will significantly impact our profitability going forward. But I want to be clear about what our priority is: protecting our community is more important than maximizing our profits.

<ul>
	<li>Strengthening our advertising policies. We know some Members of Congress are exploring ways to increase transparency around political or issue advertising, and we’re happy to keep working with Congress on that. But we aren’t waiting for legislation to act.&nbsp</li>
</ul>

From now on, every advertiser who wants to run political or issue ads will need to be authorized. To get authorized, advertisers will need to confirm their identity and location. Any advertiser who doesn’t pass will be prohibited from running political or issue ads. We will also label them and advertisers will have to show you who paid for them. We’re starting this in the US&nbspand expanding to the rest of the world in the coming months.

For even greater political ads transparency, we have also built a tool that lets anyone see all of the ads a page is running. We’re testing this in Canada now and we’ll launch it globally this summer. We’re also creating a searchable archive of past political ads.

We will also require people who manage large pages to be verified as well. This will make it much harder for people to run pages using fake accounts, or to grow virally and spread misinformation or divisive content that way.

In order to require verification for all of these pages and advertisers, we will hire thousands of more people. We’re committed to getting this done in time for the critical months before the 2018 elections in the US&nbspas well as elections in Mexico, Brazil, India, Pakistan and elsewhere in the next year.

These steps by themselves won’t stop all people trying to game the system. But they will make it a lot harder for anyone to do what the Russians did during the 2016 election and use fake accounts and pages to run ads. Election interference is a problem that’s bigger than any one platform, and that’s why we support the

Honest Ads Act. This will help raise the bar for all political advertising online.

<ul>
	<li>Sharing information. We’ve been working with other technology companies to share information about threats, and we’re also cooperating with the US&nbspand foreign governments on election integrity. At the same time, it’s also important not to lose sight of the more straightforward and larger ways Facebook plays a role in elections. In 2016, people had billions of interactions and open discussions on Facebook that may never have happened offline. Candidates had direct channels to communicate with tens of millions of citizens. Campaigns spent tens of millions of dollars organizing and advertising online to get their messages out further. And we organized “get out the vote” efforts that helped more than 2 million people register to vote who might not have voted otherwise. Security — including around elections — isn’t a problem you ever fully solve. Organizations like the IRA are sophisticated adversaries who are constantly evolving, but we’ll keep improving our techniques to stay ahead. And we’ll also keep building tools to help more people make their voices heard in the democratic process.</li>
</ul>

 
IV. CONCLUSION 
&nbsp

My top priority has always been our social mission of connecting people, building community and bringing the world closer together. Advertisers and developers will never take priority over that as long as I’m running Facebook. I started Facebook when I was in college. We’ve come a long way since then. We now serve more than 2 billion people around the world, and every day, people use our services to stay connected with the people that matter to them most. I believe deeply in what we’re doing. And when we address these challenges, I know we’ll look back and view helping people connect and giving more people a voice as a positive force in the world. I realize the issues we’re talking about today aren’t just issues for Facebook and our community — they’re challenges for all of us as Americans. Thank you for having me here 
today, and I’m ready to take your questions.

A full transcript of Mark Zuckerberg's testimony hearing before the United States of Representatives over Facebook data breach row

HEARING BEFORE THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE April 11, 2018 Testimony of Mark Zuckerberg Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Facebook I. INTRODUCTION Chairman Walden, Ranking Member Pallone, and Members of the Committee, We face a number of important issues around privacy, safety, and democracy, and you will rightfully have some hard questions for me to answer. Before I talk about the steps we’re taking to address them, I want to talk about how we got here. Facebook is an idealistic and optimistic company. For most of our existence, we focused on all the good that connecting people can bring. As Facebook has grown, people everywhere have gotten a powerful new tool to stay connected to the people they love, make their voices heard, and build communities and businesses. Just recently, we’ve seen the #metoo movement and the March for Our Lives, organized, at least in part, on Facebook. After Hurricane Harvey, people raised more than $20 million for relief. And more than 70 million small businesses now use Facebook to grow and create jobs. But it’s clear now that we didn’t do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm as well. That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy. We didn’t take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake. It was my mistake, and I’m sorry. I started Facebook, I run it, and I’m responsible for what happens here. So now we have to go through every part of our relationship with people and make sure we’re taking a broad enough view of our responsibility. It’s not enough to just connect people, we have to make sure those connections are positive. It’s not enough to just give people a voice, we have to make sure people aren’t using it to hurt people or spread misinformation. It’s not enough to give people control of their information, we have to make sure developers they’ve given it to are protecting it too. Across the board, we have a responsibility to not just build tools, but to make sure those tools are used for good. It will take some time to work through all of the changes we need to make, but I’m committed to getting it right. That includes improving the way we protect people’s information and safeguard elections around the world. Here are a few key things we’re doing: II. CAMBRIDGE ANALYTICA Over the past few weeks, we’ve been working to understand exactly what happened with Cambridge Analytica and taking steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again. We took important actions to prevent this from happening again today four years ago, but we also made mistakes, there’s more to do, and we need to step up and do it. A. What Happened In 2007, we launched the Facebook Platform with the vision that more apps should be social. Your calendar should be able to show your friends’ birthdays, your maps should show where your friends live, and your address book should show their pictures. To do this, we enabled people to log into apps and share who their friends were and some information about them In 2013, a Cambridge University researcher named Aleksandr Kogan created a personality quiz app. It was installed by around 300,000 people who agreed to share some of their Facebook information as well as some information from their friends whose privacy settings allowed it. Given the way our platform worked at the time this meant Kogan was able to access some information about tens of millions of their friends. In 2014, to prevent abusive apps, we announced that we were changing the entire platform to dramatically limit the Facebook information apps could access. Most importantly, apps like Kogan’s could no longer ask for information about a person’s friends unless their friends had also authorized the app. We also required developers to get approval from Facebook before they could request any data beyond a user’s public profile, friend list, and email address. These actions would prevent any app like Kogan’s from being able to access as much Facebook data today. In 2015, we learned from journalists at The Guardian that Kogan had shared data from his app with Cambridge Analytica. It is against our policies for developers to share data without people’s consent, so we immediately banned Kogan’s app from our platform, and demanded that Kogan and other entities he gave the data to, including Cambridge Analytica, formally certify that they had deleted all improperly acquired data — which they ultimately did. Last month, we learned from The Guardian, The New York Times and Channel 4 that Cambridge Analytica may not have deleted the data as they had certified. We immediately banned them from using any of our services. Cambridge Analytica claims they have already deleted the data and has agreed to a forensic audit by a firm we hired to investigate this. We’re also working with the UK&nbspInformation Commissioner’s Office, which has jurisdiction over Cambridge Analytica, as it completes its investigation into what happened. B. What We Are Doing We have a responsibility to make sure what happened with Kogan and Cambridge Analytica doesn’t happen again. Here are some of the steps we’re taking: Safeguarding our platform. We need to make sure that developers like Kogan who got access to a lot of information in the past can’t get access to as much information going forward.We made some big changes to the Facebook platform in 2014 to dramatically restrict the amount of data that developers can access and to proactively review the apps on our platform. This makes it so a developer today can’t do what Kogan did years ago. But there’s more we can do here to limit the information developers can access. and put more safeguards in place to prevent abuse. We’re removing developers’ access to your data if you haven’t used their app in three months. We’re reducing the data you give an app when you approve it to only your name, profile photo, and email address. That’s a lot less than apps can get on any other major app platform. We’re requiring developers to not only get approval but also to sign a contract that imposes strict requirements in order to ask anyone for access to their posts or other private data. We’re restricting more APIs like groups and events. You should be able to sign into apps and share your public information easily, but anything that might also share other people’s information — like other posts in groups you’re in or other people going to events you’re going to — will be much more restricted. Two weeks ago, we found out that a feature that lets you look someone up by their phone number and email was abused. This feature is useful in cases where people have the same name, but it was abused to link people’s public Facebook information to a phone number they already had. When we found out about the abuse, we shut this feature down. Investigating other apps. We’re in the process of investigating every app that had access to a large amount of information before we locked down our platform in 2014. If we detect suspicious activity, we’ll do a full forensic audit. And if we find that someone is improperly using data, we’ll ban them and tell everyone affected. Building better controls. Finally, we’re making it easier to understand which apps you’ve allowed to access your data. This week we started showing everyone a list of the apps you’ve used and an easy way to revoke their permissions to your data. You can already do this in your privacy settings, but we’re going to put it at the top of News Feed to make sure everyone sees it. And we also told everyone whose Facebook information may have been shared with Cambridge Analytica. Beyond the steps we had already taken in 2014, I believe these are the next steps we must take to continue to secure our platform. III. RUSSIAN ELECTION INTERFERENCE Facebook’s mission is about giving people a voice and bringing people closer together. Those are deeply democratic values and we’re proud of them. I don’t want anyone to use our tools to undermine democracy. That’s not what we stand for. We were too slow to spot and respond to Russian interference, and we’re working hard to get better. Our sophistication in handling these threats is growing and improving quickly. We will continue working with the government to understand the full extent of Russian interference, and we will do our part not only to ensure the integrity of free and fair elections around the world, but also to give everyone a voice and to be a force for good in democracy everywhere. A. What Happened Elections have always been especially sensitive times for our security team, and the 2016 US&nbsppresidential election was no exception. Our security team has been aware of traditional Russian cyber threats — like hacking and malware — for years. Leading up to Election Day in November 2016, we detected and dealt with several threats with ties to Russia. This included activity by a group called APT28, that the US government has publicly linked to Russian military intelligence services. But while our primary focus was on traditional threats, we also saw some new behavior in the summer of 2016 when APT28-related accounts, under the banner of DC Leaks, created fake personas that were used to seed stolen information to journalists. We shut these accounts down for violating our policies. After the election, we continued to investigate and learn more about these new threats. What we found was that bad actors had used coordinated networks of fake accounts to interfere in the election: promoting or attacking specific candidates and causes, creating distrust in political institutions, or simply spreading confusion. Some of these bad actors also used our ads tools. We also learned about a disinformation campaign run by the Internet Research Agency (IRA) — a Russian agency that has repeatedly acted deceptively and tried to manipulate people in the US, Europe, and Russia. We found about 470 accounts and pages linked to the IRA, which generated around 80,000 Facebook posts over about a two-year period. Our best estimate is that approximately 126 million people may have been served content from a Facebook Page associated with the IRA at some point during that period. On Instagram, where our data on reach is not as complete, we found about 120,000 pieces of content, and estimate that an additional 20 million people were likely served it. Over the same period, the IRA also spent approximately $100,000 on more than 3,000 ads on&nbspFacebook and Instagram, which were seen by an estimated 11 million people in the United States. We shut down these IRA accounts in August 2017. B. What We Are Doing There’s no question that we should have spotted Russian interference earlier, and we’re working hard to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Our actions include: Building new technology to prevent abuse. Since 2016, we have improved our techniques to prevent nation states from interfering in foreign elections, and we’ve built more advanced AI tools to remove fake accounts more generally. There have been a number of important elections since then where these new tools have been successfully deployed. For example: In France, leading up to the presidential election in 2017, we found and took down 30,000 fake accounts. In Germany, before the 2017 elections, we worked directly with the election commission to learn from them about the threats they saw and to share information. In the US&nbspSenate Alabama special election last year, we deployed new AI tools that proactively detected and removed fake accounts from Macedonia trying to spread misinformation. We have disabled thousands of accounts tied to organized, financially motivated fake news spammers. These investigations have been used to improve our automated systems that find fake accounts. Last week, we took down more than 270 additional pages and accounts operated by the IRA and used to target people in Russia and Russian speakers in countries like Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. Some of the pages we removed belong to Russian news organizations that we determined were controlled by the IRA. Significantly increasing our investment in security. We now have about 15,000 people working on security and content review. We’ll have more than 20,000 by the end of this year. I’ve directed our teams to invest so much in security — on top of the other investments we’re making — that it will significantly impact our profitability going forward. But I want to be clear about what our priority is: protecting our community is more important than maximizing our profits. Strengthening our advertising policies. We know some Members of Congress are exploring ways to increase transparency around political or issue advertising, and we’re happy to keep working with Congress on that. But we aren’t waiting for legislation to act. From now on, every advertiser who wants to run political or issue ads will need to be authorized. To get authorized, advertisers will need to confirm their identity and location. Any advertiser who doesn’t pass will be prohibited from running political or issue ads. We will also label them and advertisers will have to show you who paid for them. We’re starting this in the US&nbspand expanding to the rest of the world in the coming months. For even greater political ads transparency, we have also built a tool that lets anyone see all of the ads a page is running. We’re testing this in Canada now and we’ll launch it globally this summer. We’re also creating a searchable archive of past political ads. We will also require people who manage large pages to be verified as well. This will make it much harder for people to run pages using fake accounts, or to grow virally and spread misinformation or divisive content that way. In order to require verification for all of these pages and advertisers, we will hire thousands of more people. We’re committed to getting this done in time for the critical months before the 2018 elections in the US&nbspas well as elections in Mexico, Brazil, India, Pakistan and elsewhere in the next year. These steps by themselves won’t stop all people trying to game the system. But they will make it a lot harder for anyone to do what the Russians did during the 2016 election and use fake accounts and pages to run ads. Election interference is a problem that’s bigger than any one platform, and that’s why we support the Honest Ads Act. This will help raise the bar for all political advertising online. Sharing information. We’ve been working with other technology companies to share information about threats, and we’re also cooperating with the US&nbspand foreign governments on election integrity. At the same time, it’s also important not to lose sight of the more straightforward and larger ways Facebook plays a role in elections. In 2016, people had billions of interactions and open discussions on Facebook that may never have happened offline. Candidates had direct channels to communicate with tens of millions of citizens. Campaigns spent tens of millions of dollars organizing and advertising online to get their messages out further. And we organized “get out the vote” efforts that helped more than 2 million people register to vote who might not have voted otherwise. Security — including around elections — isn’t a problem you ever fully solve. Organizations like the IRA are sophisticated adversaries who are constantly evolving, but we’ll keep improving our techniques to stay ahead. And we’ll also keep building tools to help more people make their voices heard in the democratic process. IV. CONCLUSION My top priority has always been our social mission of connecting people, building community and bringing the world closer together. Advertisers and developers will never take priority over that as long as I’m running Facebook. I started Facebook when I was in college. We’ve come a long way since then. We now serve more than 2 billion people around the world, and every day, people use our services to stay connected with the people that matter to them most. I believe deeply in what we’re doing. And when we address these challenges, I know we’ll look back and view helping people connect and giving more people a voice as a positive force in the world. I realize the issues we’re talking about today aren’t just issues for Facebook and our community — they’re challenges for all of us as Americans. Thank you for having me here today, and I’m ready to take your questions.

Mark Zuckerberg testimony before US Congress: Read full text of day 2

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg fielded 10 hours of questions over two days from nearly 100 US lawmakers and emerged largely unscathed and considerably richer.

He parried questions of how much control people have over their data on the world's largest social media network without a major gaffe, while avoiding being cornered into supporting new government regulation.

The hearings that ended on Wednesday revealed no consensus among US lawmakers about what kind of privacy legislation they might want to pursue, if any, and no timeline for action. As he did on Tuesday before a Senate hearing, Zuckerberg refused during a House of Representatives committee hearing to make any promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business.

"It is inevitable that there will need to be some regulation" of internet firms, Zuckerberg said, but he avoided any specifics.

Although Zuckerberg, 33, had never testified at a Congressional hearing before, he succeeded in deflecting questions like a Washington veteran. Forty times the internet mogul told lawmakers he had no answers at hand and would get back to them later. About one in three lawmakers got that response over the two days.

Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell expressed frustration with Zuckerberg's frequent promises to get back to lawmakers later in writing. "Some things are striking during this conversation," she said. "As CEO, you didn't know some key facts."

On one point, Zuckerberg undercut his consistent message that Facebook users have control of their data. He said he was among the nearly 87 million people whose personal information was improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. He gave no further details.

His admission that even the company's tech-savvy founder was unable to protect his own data underscored the problem Facebook has in persuading sceptical lawmakers that users can easily safeguard their own information and that further legislation governing Facebook is unnecessary.

The Cambridge Analytica issue was the reason Zuckerberg was on Capitol Hill, answering questions about how that company - which has counted U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign among its clients - got hold of data about Facebook users.

"How can consumers have control over their data when Facebook does not have control over the data?" asked Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the ranking Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, at the beginning of Wednesday's hearing.

Zuckerberg said it would take "many months" to complete an audit of other apps that might also have improperly gathered or shared users' data.

"I do imagine that we will find some apps that were either doing something suspicious or misusing people's data," he said.

INEVITABLE REGULATION?

<img alt="facebook-testimony-reuters_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/facebook-testimony-reuters_0.jpg" width="770" />

A senator holds up his phone displaying a fake Facebook profile during the Congressional hearing. (Reuters)

Zuckerberg was unable to answer Dingell, the Michigan Congresswoman, when she asked how frequently Facebook used computer code embedded in websites to gather dossiers on virtually everyone online.

In a series of questions on how people can remove data from Facebook, Zuckerberg said the company does "collect data on people who are not signed up for Facebook, for security purposes." He had no response when asked how a non-Facebook member could remove information without signing up for the service.

He also said he was not familiar with what various media reports call "shadow profiles," collections of data assembled on Facebook users that they have no knowledge of or control over.

Wearing a dark suit and tie and politely prefacing almost every remark with "Congressman" or "Congresswoman," Zuckerberg appeared even more controlled than he did on Tuesday when he testified before senators. He refrained from cracking jokes and flashed few smiles.

The performance had favourable results. Facebook shares closed up 0.78 percent on Wednesday after rising 4.5 percent Tuesday. Over the two days, the value of Zuckerberg's stake in the company grew about $3 billion.

Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Greg Walden, told reporters he would talk with committee members about holding similar hearings with other technology chief executives. He did not name specific companies.

"This is a wake-up call to Silicon Valley and the tech community that if you let these things get out of hand, having grown up in a very lightly regulated environment, you could end up with a lot more regulation than you seek," he said after the hearing.

Many Democrats disagreed, saying their Republican colleagues held no genuine interest in having a meaningful debate that could lead to a regulatory overhaul of how technology firms handle data.

What remained as the dust settled on Wednesday was an inability to translate bipartisan concern into regulation due to the complexity of regulating technology issues and the powerful lobbying forces assembled against any effort to do so.

"If you think it is hard to pass a bill that affects a lobbyist's favourite client," said Alvaro Bedoya, a former Congressional aide who worked on privacy issues for former Senator Al Franken, "try passing a bill that affects all of them."

Although Zuckerberg, 33, had never testified at a congressional hearing before, he succeeded in deflecting questions like a Washington veteran.

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg fielded 10 hours of questions over two days from nearly 100 US lawmakers and emerged largely unscathed and considerably richer. He parried questions of how much control people have over their data on the world's largest social media network without a major gaffe, while avoiding being cornered into supporting new government regulation. The hearings that ended on Wednesday revealed no consensus among US lawmakers about what kind of privacy legislation they might want to pursue, if any, and no timeline for action. As he did on Tuesday before a Senate hearing, Zuckerberg refused during a House of Representatives committee hearing to make any promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business. "It is inevitable that there will need to be some regulation" of internet firms, Zuckerberg said, but he avoided any specifics. Although Zuckerberg, 33, had never testified at a Congressional hearing before, he succeeded in deflecting questions like a Washington veteran. Forty times the internet mogul told lawmakers he had no answers at hand and would get back to them later. About one in three lawmakers got that response over the two days. Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell expressed frustration with Zuckerberg's frequent promises to get back to lawmakers later in writing. "Some things are striking during this conversation," she said. "As CEO, you didn't know some key facts." On one point, Zuckerberg undercut his consistent message that Facebook users have control of their data. He said he was among the nearly 87 million people whose personal information was improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. He gave no further details. His admission that even the company's tech-savvy founder was unable to protect his own data underscored the problem Facebook has in persuading sceptical lawmakers that users can easily safeguard their own information and that further legislation governing Facebook is unnecessary. The Cambridge Analytica issue was the reason Zuckerberg was on Capitol Hill, answering questions about how that company - which has counted U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign among its clients - got hold of data about Facebook users. "How can consumers have control over their data when Facebook does not have control over the data?" asked Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the ranking Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, at the beginning of Wednesday's hearing. Zuckerberg said it would take "many months" to complete an audit of other apps that might also have improperly gathered or shared users' data. "I do imagine that we will find some apps that were either doing something suspicious or misusing people's data," he said. INEVITABLE REGULATION? A senator holds up his phone displaying a fake Facebook profile during the Congressional hearing. (Reuters) Zuckerberg was unable to answer Dingell, the Michigan Congresswoman, when she asked how frequently Facebook used computer code embedded in websites to gather dossiers on virtually everyone online. In a series of questions on how people can remove data from Facebook, Zuckerberg said the company does "collect data on people who are not signed up for Facebook, for security purposes." He had no response when asked how a non-Facebook member could remove information without signing up for the service. He also said he was not familiar with what various media reports call "shadow profiles," collections of data assembled on Facebook users that they have no knowledge of or control over. Wearing a dark suit and tie and politely prefacing almost every remark with "Congressman" or "Congresswoman," Zuckerberg appeared even more controlled than he did on Tuesday when he testified before senators. He refrained from cracking jokes and flashed few smiles. The performance had favourable results. Facebook shares closed up 0.78 percent on Wednesday after rising 4.5 percent Tuesday. Over the two days, the value of Zuckerberg's stake in the company grew about $3 billion. Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Greg Walden, told reporters he would talk with committee members about holding similar hearings with other technology chief executives. He did not name specific companies. "This is a wake-up call to Silicon Valley and the tech community that if you let these things get out of hand, having grown up in a very lightly regulated environment, you could end up with a lot more regulation than you seek," he said after the hearing. Many Democrats disagreed, saying their Republican colleagues held no genuine interest in having a meaningful debate that could lead to a regulatory overhaul of how technology firms handle data. What remained as the dust settled on Wednesday was an inability to translate bipartisan concern into regulation due to the complexity of regulating technology issues and the powerful lobbying forces assembled against any effort to do so. "If you think it is hard to pass a bill that affects a lobbyist's favourite client," said Alvaro Bedoya, a former Congressional aide who worked on privacy issues for former Senator Al Franken, "try passing a bill that affects all of them."

Facebook's Zuckerberg unscathed by Congressional grilling, stock rises

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-facebook-ceo-you-dont-know-some-key-facts-us-lawmaker-to-mark-zuckerberg-129951">As Facebook CEO, you don't know some key facts: US lawmaker to Mark Zuckerberg</a>

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sat through the second day of hearing with US senators answering questions on data leaks but most of the answers and questions fielded by lawmakers ended inconclusively with both sides unable to set a timeline and failing to reach a consensus over privacy legislation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-takes-charge-of-unnao-rape-case-129947">UP government orders FIR against BJP MLA Unnao rape case handed over to CBI</a>

The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday ordered registration of an FIR against BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman in Unnao district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-ronaldos-penalty-ensures-juventus-exit-real-madrid-enter-semi-final-129946">Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final</a>

Real Madrid's star striker Cristiano Ronaldo had the final say in the crucial Champions League quarter-finals against &nbsp;Juventus scoring an injury-time penalty to send his team into the semi-finals of the premier club championship on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-south-indian-film-casting-couch-telugu-actress-sri-reddy-says-producers-son-forced-her-to-have-sex-129867">Telugu actress Sri Reddy strips, alleges Rana Daggubati's brother forced her to have sex with him</a>

Telugu actress Sri Reddy revealed last night, what could be the biggest casting couch scandal of South Indian cinema. Leaking intimate pictures of herself engaged with top South Indian film producer Abhiram Daggubati -- she claims that the latter forced her to perform sex with him in exchange for casting her in films.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-rajasthan-make-winning-return-to-fortress-beat-delhi-by-10-runs-129941">IPL 2018: Rajasthan make winning return to 'fortress', beat Delhi by 10 runs</a>

Rajasthan celebrated their return to the 'fortress' with a 10-run win over Delhi in the rain-hit Indian Premier League contest here tonight.

 
&nbsp;

As Facebook CEO, you don't know some key facts: US lawmaker to Mark Zuckerberg Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sat through the second day of hearing with US senators answering questions on data leaks but most of the answers and questions fielded by lawmakers ended inconclusively with both sides unable to set a timeline and failing to reach a consensus over privacy legislation. UP government orders FIR against BJP MLA Unnao rape case handed over to CBI The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday ordered registration of an FIR against BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman in Unnao district. Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final Real Madrid's star striker Cristiano Ronaldo had the final say in the crucial Champions League quarter-finals against Juventus scoring an injury-time penalty to send his team into the semi-finals of the premier club championship on Wednesday. Telugu actress Sri Reddy strips, alleges Rana Daggubati's brother forced her to have sex with him Telugu actress Sri Reddy revealed last night, what could be the biggest casting couch scandal of South Indian cinema. Leaking intimate pictures of herself engaged with top South Indian film producer Abhiram Daggubati -- she claims that the latter forced her to perform sex with him in exchange for casting her in films. IPL 2018: Rajasthan make winning return to 'fortress', beat Delhi by 10 runs Rajasthan celebrated their return to the 'fortress' with a 10-run win over Delhi in the rain-hit Indian Premier League contest here tonight.

WION morning news brief, April 12, 2018

Facebook CEO <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-says-his-own-data-was-shared-by-cambridge-analytica-129906">Mark Zuckerberg sat through</a> the second day of hearing with US senators answering questions on data leaks but most of the answers and questions fielded by lawmakers ended inconclusively with both sides unable to set a timeline and failing to reach a consensus over privacy legislation.

In over 10 hours of questioning over the last two days, Zuckerberg was able to deflect most questions. Forty times the Facebook chief told lawmakers he had no answers at hand and would get back to them later. About one in three lawmakers got that response over the two days.

Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell expressed frustration with Zuckerberg's frequent promises to get back to lawmakers later in writing. "Some things are striking during this conversation," she said. "As CEO, you didn't know some key facts."

During the hearing, the Facebook CEO conceded that regulation was the need of the hour.

"It is inevitable that there will need to be some regulation" of internet firms, Zuckerberg said, but he avoided any specifics.

During the hearing, the Facebook chief said he was among the nearly 87 million people whose personal information was improperly shared with political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica. He gave no further details.

"How can consumers have control over their data when Facebook does not have control over the data?" asked Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey at the beginning of Wednesday's hearing.

Zuckerberg said it would take "many months" to complete an audit of other apps that might also have improperly gathered or shared users' data.

"I do imagine that we will find some apps that were either doing something suspicious or misusing people's data," he said.

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pk4jGxqeEEA" width="560"></iframe>

&nbsp;

In over 10 hours of questioning, Zuckerberg was able to deflect most questions

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sat through the second day of hearing with US senators answering questions on data leaks but most of the answers and questions fielded by lawmakers ended inconclusively with both sides unable to set a timeline and failing to reach a consensus over privacy legislation. In over 10 hours of questioning over the last two days, Zuckerberg was able to deflect most questions. Forty times the Facebook chief told lawmakers he had no answers at hand and would get back to them later. About one in three lawmakers got that response over the two days. Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell expressed frustration with Zuckerberg's frequent promises to get back to lawmakers later in writing. "Some things are striking during this conversation," she said. "As CEO, you didn't know some key facts." During the hearing, the Facebook CEO conceded that regulation was the need of the hour. "It is inevitable that there will need to be some regulation" of internet firms, Zuckerberg said, but he avoided any specifics. During the hearing, the Facebook chief said he was among the nearly 87 million people whose personal information was improperly shared with political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica. He gave no further details. "How can consumers have control over their data when Facebook does not have control over the data?" asked Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey at the beginning of Wednesday's hearing. Zuckerberg said it would take "many months" to complete an audit of other apps that might also have improperly gathered or shared users' data. "I do imagine that we will find some apps that were either doing something suspicious or misusing people's data," he said.

As Facebook CEO, you don't know some key facts: US lawmaker to Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook is committed to ensure the integrity of key elections across the world, including in India, its founder Mark Zuckerberg said as he testified before the US Congress over the massive Cambridge Analytica scandal that has shaken the social media giant.

Zuckerberg's testimony came after it was revealed in March that British firm Cambridge Analytica tied to US President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign improperly collected profile data of up to 87 million Facebook users.

The scandal shook confidence in Facebook, leading some people to go as far as abandoning the social media site altogether&nbspa revolt called the hashtag #DeleteFacebook.

Zuckerberg, who is also the CEO of Facebook, said data privacy and foreign interference in elections were topics that they have discussed at the Facebook board meeting.

"These are some of the biggest issues that the company has faced, and we feel a huge responsibility to get these right," Zuckerberg told lawmakers during the Congressional hearing, adding that "this is one of my top priorities in 2018".

He said Facebook was taking steps to ensure the integrity of elections in countries like the United States, India, Brazil, and Pakistan.

"2018 is is an incredibly important year for elections. Not just in the US mid-terms, but, around the world, there are important elections -- in India, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, and Hungary -- and we want to make sure we do everything we can to protect the integrity of these elections," he said.

Zuckerberg organisation faces charges of failing to prevent Cambridge Analytica from gathering personal information of Facebook users to try to influence an election.

Zuckerberg said his one of the greatest regrets was that Facebook has been slow in identifying the Russian information operations in 2016.

"We expected them to do a number of more traditional cyber attacks, which we did identify and notify the campaigns that they were trying to hack into them," he said.

The Facebook CEO said he was now more confident as his company has set the things right. Since the 2016 election, there have been several important elections around the world where it has had a better record, he said.

There was the French presidential election. There was the German election. There was the US Senate Alabama special election last year," Zuckerberg added.

He said Facebook has deployed new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that better identify fake accounts, trying to interfere in elections or spread misinformation.

"Between those three elections, we were able to proactively remove tens of thousands of accounts before they could do significant harm," he said.

"And the nature of these attacks, though, is that there are people in Russia whose job is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems, and other systems, as well. So this is an arms race, right? I mean, they're going to keep on getting better at this, and we need to invest in keeping on getting better at this, too, which is why one of the things I mentioned before is we're going to have more than 20,000 people, by the end of this year, working on security and content review across the company," he said.

Zuckerberg said they had developed tools which identify people when they try to create fake accounts.

Your content has to be authentic. So we build technical tools to try to identify when people are creating fake accounts, especially large networks of fake accounts, like the Russians have in order to remove all of that content," he said.

Zuckerberg said after the US 2016 election, Facebook's top priority was to protect the integrity of other elections around the world.

"What we're going to do is to ask a valid government identity and we're going to verify the location. We are going to do that so that someone sitting in Russia, for example, couldn't say that they're in America and, therefore, able to run an election ad," he said.

Mark Zuckerberg's testimony came after it was revealed in March that British firm Cambridge Analytica tied to US President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign improperly collected profile data of up to 87 million Facebook users

Facebook is committed to ensure the integrity of key elections across the world, including in India, its founder Mark Zuckerberg said as he testified before the US Congress over the massive Cambridge Analytica scandal that has shaken the social media giant. Zuckerberg's testimony came after it was revealed in March that British firm Cambridge Analytica tied to US President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign improperly collected profile data of up to 87 million Facebook users. The scandal shook confidence in Facebook, leading some people to go as far as abandoning the social media site altogether&nbspa revolt called the hashtag #DeleteFacebook. Zuckerberg, who is also the CEO of Facebook, said data privacy and foreign interference in elections were topics that they have discussed at the Facebook board meeting. "These are some of the biggest issues that the company has faced, and we feel a huge responsibility to get these right," Zuckerberg told lawmakers during the Congressional hearing, adding that "this is one of my top priorities in 2018". He said Facebook was taking steps to ensure the integrity of elections in countries like the United States, India, Brazil, and Pakistan. "2018 is is an incredibly important year for elections. Not just in the US mid-terms, but, around the world, there are important elections -- in India, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, and Hungary -- and we want to make sure we do everything we can to protect the integrity of these elections," he said. Zuckerberg organisation faces charges of failing to prevent Cambridge Analytica from gathering personal information of Facebook users to try to influence an election. Zuckerberg said his one of the greatest regrets was that Facebook has been slow in identifying the Russian information operations in 2016. "We expected them to do a number of more traditional cyber attacks, which we did identify and notify the campaigns that they were trying to hack into them," he said. The Facebook CEO said he was now more confident as his company has set the things right. Since the 2016 election, there have been several important elections around the world where it has had a better record, he said. There was the French presidential election. There was the German election. There was the US Senate Alabama special election last year," Zuckerberg added. He said Facebook has deployed new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that better identify fake accounts, trying to interfere in elections or spread misinformation. "Between those three elections, we were able to proactively remove tens of thousands of accounts before they could do significant harm," he said. "And the nature of these attacks, though, is that there are people in Russia whose job is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems, and other systems, as well. So this is an arms race, right? I mean, they're going to keep on getting better at this, and we need to invest in keeping on getting better at this, too, which is why one of the things I mentioned before is we're going to have more than 20,000 people, by the end of this year, working on security and content review across the company," he said. Zuckerberg said they had developed tools which identify people when they try to create fake accounts. Your content has to be authentic. So we build technical tools to try to identify when people are creating fake accounts, especially large networks of fake accounts, like the Russians have in order to remove all of that content," he said. Zuckerberg said after the US 2016 election, Facebook's top priority was to protect the integrity of other elections around the world. "What we're going to do is to ask a valid government identity and we're going to verify the location. We are going to do that so that someone sitting in Russia, for example, couldn't say that they're in America and, therefore, able to run an election ad," he said.

Facebook committed to ensure integrity of elections in India, other countries: Zuckerberg

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/indian-economy-to-grow-at-73-per-cent-this-fiscal-76-per-cent-in-2019-20-asian-development-bank-129728'">Indian economy to grow at 7.3 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/indian-economy-to-grow-at-73-per-cent-this-fiscal-76-per-cent-in-2019-20-asian-development-bank-129728'">per cent</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/indian-economy-to-grow-at-73-per-cent-this-fiscal-76-per-cent-in-2019-20-asian-development-bank-129728'"> this fiscal, 7.6 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/indian-economy-to-grow-at-73-per-cent-this-fiscal-76-per-cent-in-2019-20-asian-development-bank-129728'">per cent</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/indian-economy-to-grow-at-73-per-cent-this-fiscal-76-per-cent-in-2019-20-asian-development-bank-129728'"> in 2019-20: Asian Development Bank</a>

Manila-based Asian Development Bank(ADB) today projected India's economic growth to pick up to 7.3 per cent this fiscal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/facebook-needs-to-do-more-to-stop-hate-speech-in-myanmar-says-zuckerberg-to-us-lawmakers-129710">Facebook needs to do more to stop hate speech in Myanmar,' says Zuckerberg to US lawmakers</a>

Embattled Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg faced a US congressional committee over data leak to Cambridge Analytica on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-bjp-lawmakers-to-fast-tomorrow-over-parliament-washout-129708">PM Modi, BJP lawmakers to fast tomorrow over Parliament 'washout'</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP lawmakers will be observing a day-long fast on Thursday in Delhi against the recent Parliment washout by the opposition parties.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-jadeja-hits-second-last-ball-six-to-give-chennai-its-2nd-win-129701">IPL 2018: Jadeja hits second last ball six to give Chennai its 2nd win</a>

Ravindra Jadeja hit a six at the second last ball of the match to give Chennai its second win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-roma-crush-barcelona-enter-semi-final-129717">Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-roma-crush-barcelona-enter-semi-final-129717">semi-final</a>

AS Roma made a historic comeback in the Champions League encounter against Barcelona dumping the former champions with an impressive 3-0 scoreline.

Indian economy to grow at 7.3 per cent this fiscal, 7.6 per cent in 2019-20: Asian Development Bank Manila-based Asian Development Bank(ADB) today projected India's economic growth to pick up to 7.3 per cent this fiscal. Facebook needs to do more to stop hate speech in Myanmar,' says Zuckerberg to US lawmakers Embattled Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg faced a US congressional committee over data leak to Cambridge Analytica on Tuesday. PM Modi, BJP lawmakers to fast tomorrow over Parliament 'washout' Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP lawmakers will be observing a day-long fast on Thursday in Delhi against the recent Parliment washout by the opposition parties. IPL 2018: Jadeja hits second last ball six to give Chennai its 2nd win Ravindra Jadeja hit a six at the second last ball of the match to give Chennai its second win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter semi-final AS Roma made a historic comeback in the Champions League encounter against Barcelona dumping the former champions with an impressive 3-0 scoreline.

WION Morning News Brief,  April 11, 2018

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg accepted personal responsibility Tuesday for the leak of data on tens of millions of its users, while warning of an "arms race" against Russian disinformation during a high stakes face-to-face with US lawmakers.

In his first formal congressional appearance, the Facebook founder and chief executive sought to quell the storm over privacy and security lapses at the social media giant that have angered lawmakers and the network`s two billion users.

Under mounting pressure over the hijacking of its user data by a British political consultant, Zuckerberg reiterated his apology for the historic breach, before being grilled over how Facebook collects and protects people`s personal information.

"It was my mistake, and I`m sorry," Zuckerberg said the improper sharing of 87 million people`s information by Cambridge Analytica, a firm working for Donald Trump in 2016. "I started Facebook, I run it, and I`m responsible for what happens here."

He added that Facebook fell short in protecting the platform, noting, "That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy."&nbsp;

The 33-year-old CEO spoke of a constant struggle to guard against Russian manipulation of the Facebook platform to influence elections in the US and elsewhere.

"There are people in Russia whose job it is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems and other systems as well," he said.&nbsp;

"So this is an arms race. They`re going to keep getting better and we need to invest in getting better at this too."

Zuckerberg has previously acknowledged the social network failed to do enough to prevent the spread of disinformation during the last US presidential race.

"After the 2016 election, our top priority was protecting the integrity of other elections around the world," he said.Zuckerberg said he was open to regulation, but cautioned against complex rules that might impact emerging social media firms.

"I am not the type of person who thinks all regulation is bad," he told Senator Dan Sullivan.

"I think the internet is becoming increasingly important in people`s lives and I think we need to have a full conversation about what is the right regulation."

He added that "you need to be careful (a new regulatory policy) doesn`t cement in the current companies that are winning."

Zuckerberg also revealed that Facebook is cooperating with the US special prosecutor investigating Russian interference in the 2016 vote.&nbsp;

"Our work with the special counsel is confidential. I want to make sure in an open session I don`t reveal something that`s confidential," he said.

Zuckerberg said he had personally not been contacted, and that he was not specifically aware of any subpoena of Facebook data.

"I believe there may be (a subpoena), but I know we`re working with them," he said.

Swapping his customary T-shirt for a business suit and tie, Zuckerberg appeared somber as he fielded tough questions over Cambridge Analytica`s massive data breach.

"We`ve been working to understand exactly what happened with Cambridge Analytica and taking steps to make sure this doesn`t happen again," he said in his prepared remarks.

The show of contrition was not enough for several lawmakers.

"We`ve seen the apology tours before," Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut told Zuckerberg.

"And so, my reservation about your testimony today is that I don`t see how you can change your business model unless there are specific rules of the road."

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana said Facebook has failed to deliver a promised "digital utopia."

"I don`t want to regulate Facebook but by God I will," he told the CEO. "A lot of that depends on you."Dozens of protestors gathered outside Congress before the hearing wearing Zuckerberg masks and #DeleteFacebook T-shirts.

Inside the jammed hearing room, activists from the Code Pink group wore oversized glasses with the words "STOP SPYING" written on the lenses, and waved signs that read "Stop corporate lying."

Testifying was a new step forward for Zuckerberg, who started Facebook as a Harvard dropout in 2004, and built it into the world`s largest social media company worth more than $450 billion.

During questioning, Zuckerberg rejected the suggestion that the social media giant, with over two billion users worldwide, has exclusive control over its market.

"It certainly doesn`t feel like that to me," he said when asked if he thinks Facebook has a monopoly.

"The average American uses eight different apps to communicate with their friends and stay in touch with people. Ranging from texting apps to e-mail," he said.

Zuckerberg also said the company believed in an ad-supported business model but appeared to leave open the possibility of a paid version.

"There will always be a version of Facebook that is free," Zuckerberg told the hearing.

Under mounting pressure over the hijacking of its user data by a British political consultant, Zuckerberg reiterated his apology for the historic breach, before being grilled over how Facebook collects and protects people`s personal information

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg accepted personal responsibility Tuesday for the leak of data on tens of millions of its users, while warning of an "arms race" against Russian disinformation during a high stakes face-to-face with US lawmakers. In his first formal congressional appearance, the Facebook founder and chief executive sought to quell the storm over privacy and security lapses at the social media giant that have angered lawmakers and the network`s two billion users. Under mounting pressure over the hijacking of its user data by a British political consultant, Zuckerberg reiterated his apology for the historic breach, before being grilled over how Facebook collects and protects people`s personal information. "It was my mistake, and I`m sorry," Zuckerberg said the improper sharing of 87 million people`s information by Cambridge Analytica, a firm working for Donald Trump in 2016. "I started Facebook, I run it, and I`m responsible for what happens here." He added that Facebook fell short in protecting the platform, noting, "That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy." The 33-year-old CEO spoke of a constant struggle to guard against Russian manipulation of the Facebook platform to influence elections in the US and elsewhere. "There are people in Russia whose job it is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems and other systems as well," he said. "So this is an arms race. They`re going to keep getting better and we need to invest in getting better at this too." Zuckerberg has previously acknowledged the social network failed to do enough to prevent the spread of disinformation during the last US presidential race. "After the 2016 election, our top priority was protecting the integrity of other elections around the world," he said.Zuckerberg said he was open to regulation, but cautioned against complex rules that might impact emerging social media firms. "I am not the type of person who thinks all regulation is bad," he told Senator Dan Sullivan. "I think the internet is becoming increasingly important in people`s lives and I think we need to have a full conversation about what is the right regulation." He added that "you need to be careful (a new regulatory policy) doesn`t cement in the current companies that are winning." Zuckerberg also revealed that Facebook is cooperating with the US special prosecutor investigating Russian interference in the 2016 vote. "Our work with the special counsel is confidential. I want to make sure in an open session I don`t reveal something that`s confidential," he said. Zuckerberg said he had personally not been contacted, and that he was not specifically aware of any subpoena of Facebook data. "I believe there may be (a subpoena), but I know we`re working with them," he said. Swapping his customary T-shirt for a business suit and tie, Zuckerberg appeared somber as he fielded tough questions over Cambridge Analytica`s massive data breach. "We`ve been working to understand exactly what happened with Cambridge Analytica and taking steps to make sure this doesn`t happen again," he said in his prepared remarks. The show of contrition was not enough for several lawmakers. "We`ve seen the apology tours before," Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut told Zuckerberg. "And so, my reservation about your testimony today is that I don`t see how you can change your business model unless there are specific rules of the road." Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana said Facebook has failed to deliver a promised "digital utopia." "I don`t want to regulate Facebook but by God I will," he told the CEO. "A lot of that depends on you."Dozens of protestors gathered outside Congress before the hearing wearing Zuckerberg masks and #DeleteFacebook T-shirts. Inside the jammed hearing room, activists from the Code Pink group wore oversized glasses with the words "STOP SPYING" written on the lenses, and waved signs that read "Stop corporate lying." Testifying was a new step forward for Zuckerberg, who started Facebook as a Harvard dropout in 2004, and built it into the world`s largest social media company worth more than $450 billion. During questioning, Zuckerberg rejected the suggestion that the social media giant, with over two billion users worldwide, has exclusive control over its market. "It certainly doesn`t feel like that to me," he said when asked if he thinks Facebook has a monopoly. "The average American uses eight different apps to communicate with their friends and stay in touch with people. Ranging from texting apps to e-mail," he said. Zuckerberg also said the company believed in an ad-supported business model but appeared to leave open the possibility of a paid version. "There will always be a version of Facebook that is free," Zuckerberg told the hearing.

Facebook in 'arms race' with Russia: Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday told lawmakers that his own personal data was included in that of 87 million or so Facebook users that was improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

But he pushed back on congress members' suggestions that users do not have enough control of their data on Facebook in the wake of the privacy scandal at the world's largest social media network.

"Every time that someone chooses to share something on Facebook ... there is a control. Right there. Not buried in the settings somewhere but right there," the 33-year-old internet magnate told the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee.

Also watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-senator-has-zuckerberg-have-a-taste-of-his-own-medicine-asks-for-personal-details--129860">US senator asks for personal details, Facebook's Zuckerberg won't give them</a>

Once again wearing a dark suit instead of his usual gray T-shirt, the hearing was Zuckerberg's second in two days. On Tuesday, he took questions for nearly five hours in a U.S. Senate hearing without making any further promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business, foiling attempts by senators to pin him down.

Investors were impressed with his initial performance. Shares in Facebook posted their biggest daily gain in nearly two years on Tuesday, closing up 4.5 percent. They were down 0.7 percent in early trading on Wednesday.

Facebook has been consumed by turmoil for nearly a month, since it came to light that millions of users' personal information was wrongly harvested from the website by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy that has counted U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign among its clients.

Zuckerberg faced broad concerns from members of Congress about how Facebook shares user data.

"How can consumers have control over their data when Facebook does not have control over the data?" asked Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the ranking Democrat on the Energy and Commerce committee.

The latest estimate of affected users is up to 87 million.

Patience with the social network had already worn thin among users, advertisers and investors after the company said last year that Russia used Facebook for years to try to sway U.S. politics, an allegation Moscow denies.

Lawmakers have sought assurances that Facebook can effectively police itself, and few came away from Tuesday's hearing expressing confidence in the social network.

"I don't want to vote to have to regulate Facebook, but by God, I will," Republican Senator John Kennedy told Zuckerberg on Tuesday. "A lot of that depends on you."

Zuckerberg deflected requests to support specific legislation. Pressed repeatedly by Democratic Senator Ed Markey to endorse a proposed law that would require companies to get people's permission before sharing personal information, Zuckerberg agreed to further talks.

"In principle, I think that makes sense, and the details matter, and I look forward to having our team work with you on fleshing that out," Zuckerberg said.

Zuckerberg pushed back against congress members' suggestions that users do not have enough control of their data on Facebook

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday told lawmakers that his own personal data was included in that of 87 million or so Facebook users that was improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. But he pushed back on congress members' suggestions that users do not have enough control of their data on Facebook in the wake of the privacy scandal at the world's largest social media network. "Every time that someone chooses to share something on Facebook ... there is a control. Right there. Not buried in the settings somewhere but right there," the 33-year-old internet magnate told the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. Also watch: US senator asks for personal details, Facebook's Zuckerberg won't give them Once again wearing a dark suit instead of his usual gray T-shirt, the hearing was Zuckerberg's second in two days. On Tuesday, he took questions for nearly five hours in a U.S. Senate hearing without making any further promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business, foiling attempts by senators to pin him down. Investors were impressed with his initial performance. Shares in Facebook posted their biggest daily gain in nearly two years on Tuesday, closing up 4.5 percent. They were down 0.7 percent in early trading on Wednesday. Facebook has been consumed by turmoil for nearly a month, since it came to light that millions of users' personal information was wrongly harvested from the website by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy that has counted U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign among its clients. Zuckerberg faced broad concerns from members of Congress about how Facebook shares user data. "How can consumers have control over their data when Facebook does not have control over the data?" asked Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the ranking Democrat on the Energy and Commerce committee. The latest estimate of affected users is up to 87 million. Patience with the social network had already worn thin among users, advertisers and investors after the company said last year that Russia used Facebook for years to try to sway U.S. politics, an allegation Moscow denies. Lawmakers have sought assurances that Facebook can effectively police itself, and few came away from Tuesday's hearing expressing confidence in the social network. "I don't want to vote to have to regulate Facebook, but by God, I will," Republican Senator John Kennedy told Zuckerberg on Tuesday. "A lot of that depends on you." Zuckerberg deflected requests to support specific legislation. Pressed repeatedly by Democratic Senator Ed Markey to endorse a proposed law that would require companies to get people's permission before sharing personal information, Zuckerberg agreed to further talks. "In principle, I think that makes sense, and the details matter, and I look forward to having our team work with you on fleshing that out," Zuckerberg said.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says his own data was shared by Cambridge Analytica

Embattled Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg faced a US congressional committee over data leak to Cambridge Analytica on Tuesday.

The Facebook chief while apologising for the leak said his company will work harder to block hate messages on the social media site, calling the Myanmar situation a "terrible tragedy".

"What's happening in Myanmar is a terrible tragedy, and we need to do more," Zuckerberg said during a 5-hour joint hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee.

Several thousand Rohingyas have fled Myanmar, according to the UN at least 650, 5000 ethnic Rohingyas have crossed over to Bangladesh in order to save themselves from the Myanmar Army which has allegedly been carrying out mass persecution against them.

"It has ... substantively contributed to the level of acrimony and dissension and conflict ... within the public. Hate speech is certainly, of course, a part of that," the Facebook chief said, adding," As far as the Myanmar situation is concerned, social media is Facebook, and Facebook is social media."&nbsp;

The UN including the US has termed the deteriorating state of the Rohingyas in Myanmar a case of "ethnic cleansing" with several other nations openly condemning the military regime which has been unable to stop the exodus to Bangladesh with the Rohingyas fearing mass persecution in the country.

"It's hard to do it without people who speak the local language, and we need to ramp up our effort there dramatically," &nbsp;Zuckerberg said.

He said a Facebook team would also make undisclosed product changes in Myanmar and other countries where ethnic violence was a problem.

United Nations officials investigating a possible genocide in Myanmar said last month that Facebook had been a source of anti-Rohingya propaganda

Embattled Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg faced a US congressional committee over data leak to Cambridge Analytica on Tuesday. The Facebook chief while apologising for the leak said his company will work harder to block hate messages on the social media site, calling the Myanmar situation a "terrible tragedy". "What's happening in Myanmar is a terrible tragedy, and we need to do more," Zuckerberg said during a 5-hour joint hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee. Several thousand Rohingyas have fled Myanmar, according to the UN at least 650, 5000 ethnic Rohingyas have crossed over to Bangladesh in order to save themselves from the Myanmar Army which has allegedly been carrying out mass persecution against them. "It has ... substantively contributed to the level of acrimony and dissension and conflict ... within the public. Hate speech is certainly, of course, a part of that," the Facebook chief said, adding," As far as the Myanmar situation is concerned, social media is Facebook, and Facebook is social media." The UN including the US has termed the deteriorating state of the Rohingyas in Myanmar a case of "ethnic cleansing" with several other nations openly condemning the military regime which has been unable to stop the exodus to Bangladesh with the Rohingyas fearing mass persecution in the country. "It's hard to do it without people who speak the local language, and we need to ramp up our effort there dramatically," Zuckerberg said. He said a Facebook team would also make undisclosed product changes in Myanmar and other countries where ethnic violence was a problem.

'Facebook needs to do more to stop hate speech in Myanmar,' says Zuckerberg to US lawmakers

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg started the second day of testimony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, facing more questions from lawmakers about data privacy at the world`s largest social media network.

The 33-year-old internet magnate, once again wearing a dark suit instead of his usual grey T-shirt, appeared before the US&nbspHouse of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, a day after he took questions for nearly five hours in a US&nbspSenate hearing.&nbsp

He navigated through the first hearing on Tuesday without making any further promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business, foiling attempts by senators to pin him down.&nbsp

Investors were impressed with his initial performance. Shares in Facebook posted their biggest daily gain in nearly two years on Tuesday, closing up 4.5 percent. They were down slightly in early trading on Wednesday.&nbsp

Facebook has been consumed by turmoil for nearly a month, since it came to light that millions of users` personal information was wrongly harvested from the website by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy that has counted US&nbspPresident

Donald Trump`s election campaign among its clients. The latest estimate of affected users is up to 87 million.&nbsp

Patience with the social network had already worn thin among users, advertisers and investors after the company said last year that Russia used Facebook for years to try to sway U.S. politics, an allegation Moscow denies.&nbsp

Lawmakers have sought assurances that Facebook can effectively police itself, and few came away from Tuesday`s hearing expressing confidence in the social network.&nbsp

"I don`t want to vote to have to regulate Facebook, but by God, I will," Republican Senator John Kennedy told Zuckerberg on Tuesday. "A lot of that depends on you."&nbsp

Zuckerberg deflected requests to support specific legislation. Pressed repeatedly by Democratic Senator Ed Markey to endorse a proposed law that would require companies to get people`s permission before sharing personal information, Zuckerberg agreed to further talks.&nbsp

"In principle, I think that that makes sense, and the details matter and I look forward to having our team work with you on fleshing that out," Zuckerberg said.&nbsp

The 33-year-old internet magnate, once again wearing a dark suit instead of his usual grey T-shirt, appeared before the U.S

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg started the second day of testimony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, facing more questions from lawmakers about data privacy at the world`s largest social media network. The 33-year-old internet magnate, once again wearing a dark suit instead of his usual grey T-shirt, appeared before the US&nbspHouse of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, a day after he took questions for nearly five hours in a US&nbspSenate hearing. He navigated through the first hearing on Tuesday without making any further promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business, foiling attempts by senators to pin him down. Investors were impressed with his initial performance. Shares in Facebook posted their biggest daily gain in nearly two years on Tuesday, closing up 4.5 percent. They were down slightly in early trading on Wednesday. Facebook has been consumed by turmoil for nearly a month, since it came to light that millions of users` personal information was wrongly harvested from the website by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy that has counted US&nbspPresident Donald Trump`s election campaign among its clients. The latest estimate of affected users is up to 87 million. Patience with the social network had already worn thin among users, advertisers and investors after the company said last year that Russia used Facebook for years to try to sway U.S. politics, an allegation Moscow denies. Lawmakers have sought assurances that Facebook can effectively police itself, and few came away from Tuesday`s hearing expressing confidence in the social network. "I don`t want to vote to have to regulate Facebook, but by God, I will," Republican Senator John Kennedy told Zuckerberg on Tuesday. "A lot of that depends on you." Zuckerberg deflected requests to support specific legislation. Pressed repeatedly by Democratic Senator Ed Markey to endorse a proposed law that would require companies to get people`s permission before sharing personal information, Zuckerberg agreed to further talks. "In principle, I think that that makes sense, and the details matter and I look forward to having our team work with you on fleshing that out," Zuckerberg said.

Facebook CEO starts second day of US congressional hearings

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerbergs-testimony-before-congress-5-questions-facebook-chief-may-face-129671">Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg</a> appeared before US lawmakers Tuesday to apologize for how his company has handled the growing furor over online privacy, to promise change, and explain the social media giant's policies.

The wide-ranging questions -- including about <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-to-accept-mistake-at-us-hearing-for-data-leak-129658">Cambridge Analytica, which used data scraped from 87 million Facebook </a>users to target political ads ahead of the 2016 US election -- put the 33-year-old billionaire under a microscope for several hours at a joint Senate committee hearing.

Here are top quotes from Zuckerberg, and some of the dozens of senators who grilled him. "We didn`t take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake. And it was my mistake, and I`m sorry. I started Facebook, I run it, and I`m responsible for what happens here."

"When we heard back from Cambridge Analytica that they had told us that they weren`t using the data and deleted it, we considered it a closed case. In retrospect, that was clearly a mistake. We shouldn`t have taken their word for it. We`ve updated our policy to make sure we don`t make that mistake again."

"It will take some time to work through all the changes we need to make across the company. I`m committed to getting this right. This includes the basic responsibility of protecting people`s information, which we failed to do with Cambridge Analytica."

"We`re investigating every single app that had access to a large amount of information in the past. And if we find that someone improperly used data, we`re going to ban them from Facebook and tell everyone affected."One of my greatest regrets in running the company is that we were slow in identifying the Russian information operations in 2016."

"There are people in Russia whose job it is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems.... So this is an arms race. They`re going to keep getting better and we need to invest in getting better at this too."

Asked if Facebook executives have been interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the US election: "Our work with the special counsel is confidential.... I actually am not aware of a subpoena. I believe there may be, but I know we`re working with them."

"I know we did help out the Trump campaign overall in sales support in the same way we do with other campaigns."There will always be a version of Facebook that is free."

"We need to take a more active view in policing the ecosystem and watching and looking out and making sure that all the members in our community are using these tools in a way that`s going to be good and healthy."

Asked if he believes the social media giant, with over two billion users worldwide, amounts to a monopoly: "It certainly doesn`t feel like that to me."Senator Dick Durbin: "Would you be comfortable sharing with us the name of the hotel you stayed in last night? If you messaged anybody this week, would you share with us the names of the people you`ve messaged?"

Zuckerberg: "Senator, no I would probably not choose to do that publicly here."

Durbin: "I think that may be what this is all about: your right to privacy, the limits of your right to privacy, and how much you give away in modern America in the name of connecting people around the world."Senator John Thune: "This should be a wake-up call for the tech community.... We`re listening, America is listening, and quite possibly the world is listening too."

Senator Bill Nelson: "Let me just cut to the chase. If you and other social media companies do not get your act in order, none of us are going to have any privacy anymore."

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg appeared before US lawmakers Tuesday to apologize for how his company has handled the growing furor over online privacy, to promise change, and explain the social media giant's policies

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg appeared before US lawmakers Tuesday to apologize for how his company has handled the growing furor over online privacy, to promise change, and explain the social media giant's policies. The wide-ranging questions -- including about Cambridge Analytica, which used data scraped from 87 million Facebook users to target political ads ahead of the 2016 US election -- put the 33-year-old billionaire under a microscope for several hours at a joint Senate committee hearing. Here are top quotes from Zuckerberg, and some of the dozens of senators who grilled him. "We didn`t take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake. And it was my mistake, and I`m sorry. I started Facebook, I run it, and I`m responsible for what happens here." "When we heard back from Cambridge Analytica that they had told us that they weren`t using the data and deleted it, we considered it a closed case. In retrospect, that was clearly a mistake. We shouldn`t have taken their word for it. We`ve updated our policy to make sure we don`t make that mistake again." "It will take some time to work through all the changes we need to make across the company. I`m committed to getting this right. This includes the basic responsibility of protecting people`s information, which we failed to do with Cambridge Analytica." "We`re investigating every single app that had access to a large amount of information in the past. And if we find that someone improperly used data, we`re going to ban them from Facebook and tell everyone affected."One of my greatest regrets in running the company is that we were slow in identifying the Russian information operations in 2016." "There are people in Russia whose job it is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems.... So this is an arms race. They`re going to keep getting better and we need to invest in getting better at this too." Asked if Facebook executives have been interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the US election: "Our work with the special counsel is confidential.... I actually am not aware of a subpoena. I believe there may be, but I know we`re working with them." "I know we did help out the Trump campaign overall in sales support in the same way we do with other campaigns."There will always be a version of Facebook that is free." "We need to take a more active view in policing the ecosystem and watching and looking out and making sure that all the members in our community are using these tools in a way that`s going to be good and healthy." Asked if he believes the social media giant, with over two billion users worldwide, amounts to a monopoly: "It certainly doesn`t feel like that to me."Senator Dick Durbin: "Would you be comfortable sharing with us the name of the hotel you stayed in last night? If you messaged anybody this week, would you share with us the names of the people you`ve messaged?" Zuckerberg: "Senator, no I would probably not choose to do that publicly here." Durbin: "I think that may be what this is all about: your right to privacy, the limits of your right to privacy, and how much you give away in modern America in the name of connecting people around the world."Senator John Thune: "This should be a wake-up call for the tech community.... We`re listening, America is listening, and quite possibly the world is listening too." Senator Bill Nelson: "Let me just cut to the chase. If you and other social media companies do not get your act in order, none of us are going to have any privacy anymore."

'I started Facebook, I run it, and I'm responsible for what happens here': Zuckerberg at joint Senate committee hearing

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