Alphabet subsidiary Google has reached an agreement to revamp its user data practices, marking the end of a German antitrust investigation aimed at curbing the tech giant's data-driven market dominance, the German cartel office announced on Thursday.&nbsp;

The German antitrust watchdog had issued a statement of objections to Google in January, expressing concerns over the company's data processing terms. It argued that users were not provided with sufficient options regarding the extensive processing of their data across Google's various services.&nbsp;

Tech giants like Google rely heavily on selling targeted advertising, a lucrative business model driven by the vast amounts of user data they accumulate. This model has come under regulatory scrutiny worldwide.&nbsp;

The German regulator noted that Google's commitments would empower users with more control over how their data is utilised across the company's platforms. &nbsp;

Reuters cited Andreas Mundt, President of the cartel office, who emphasised the significance of this development, stating, "In the future, users of Google services will have a much better choice as to what happens to their data, how Google can use them and whether their data may be used across services. This not only protects the users' right to determine the use of their data, but also curbs Google's data-driven market power."&nbsp;

Google's commitment extends to over 25 other services, including Gmail, Google News, Assistant, Contacts, and Google TV. However, it does not encompass Google Shopping, Google Play, Google Maps, Google Search, YouTube, Google Android, Google Chrome, and Google's online advertising services. These services fall under the jurisdiction of a new EU legislation known as the Digital Markets Act, which imposes similar obligations.&nbsp;

The German competition authority has intensified its scrutiny of major tech companies since it gained expanded powers, known as Section 19a GWB, in 2021. These powers empower the authority to investigate and prohibit certain practices by companies deemed to possess paramount significance and cross-market influence.&nbsp;

This newfound authority has led to investigations into other tech giants, including Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Apple.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Alphabet subsidiary Google has reached an agreement to revamp its user data practices, marking the end of a German antitrust investigation aimed at curbing the tech giant's data-driven market dominance, the German cartel office announced on Thursday.

Alphabet subsidiary Google has reached an agreement to revamp its user data practices, marking the end of a German antitrust investigation aimed at curbing the tech giant's data-driven market dominance, the German cartel office announced on Thursday. The German antitrust watchdog had issued a statement of objections to Google in January, expressing concerns over the company's data processing terms. It argued that users were not provided with sufficient options regarding the extensive processing of their data across Google's various services. Tech giants like Google rely heavily on selling targeted advertising, a lucrative business model driven by the vast amounts of user data they accumulate. This model has come under regulatory scrutiny worldwide. The German regulator noted that Google's commitments would empower users with more control over how their data is utilised across the company's platforms. Reuters cited Andreas Mundt, President of the cartel office, who emphasised the significance of this development, stating, "In the future, users of Google services will have a much better choice as to what happens to their data, how Google can use them and whether their data may be used across services. This not only protects the users' right to determine the use of their data, but also curbs Google's data-driven market power." Google's commitment extends to over 25 other services, including Gmail, Google News, Assistant, Contacts, and Google TV. However, it does not encompass Google Shopping, Google Play, Google Maps, Google Search, YouTube, Google Android, Google Chrome, and Google's online advertising services. These services fall under the jurisdiction of a new EU legislation known as the Digital Markets Act, which imposes similar obligations. The German competition authority has intensified its scrutiny of major tech companies since it gained expanded powers, known as Section 19a GWB, in 2021. These powers empower the authority to investigate and prohibit certain practices by companies deemed to possess paramount significance and cross-market influence. This newfound authority has led to investigations into other tech giants, including Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Apple. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Google agrees to overhaul user data practices to resolve German antitrust probe 

The world’s second-largest data market, India on Thursday (August 3) moved a step closer to having its major privacy bill, which had been in-the-making for the last five years.

India’s IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw tabled the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2023 in the parliament a year after an older version of the draft was withdrawn following criticism from tech giants.&nbsp;

<h2>Provisions of the bill</h2>

Named as the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, this proposed law aims to grant significant decision-making authority to the Central government.&nbsp;

This authority encompasses the ability to exempt specific data-handling entities, such as startups, from certain regulations, if deemed necessary. Additionally, it permits the processing of children's data, provided the responsible entity demonstrates sufficient protective measures.

Under the proposed law,&nbsp;the government will also have the power to identify countries where the transfer of individuals' personal data is prohibited, a change from the previous bill draft that suggested allowing data transfers to "notified countries and territories."

<h2>Severe penalty of as much as $30 million</h2>

The bill mandates that the public must provide accurate personal information and refrain from impersonating others. Failure to adhere to these responsibilities may result in penalties for individuals, ranging up to $121 (10,000 Indian rupees).&nbsp;

For data-handling entities that violate the law, fines could be as high as $30 million (250 crore&nbsp;Indian rupees).

The bill outlines the provision of appealing decisions made by the data protection board to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal within a 60-day timeframe.

<h2>Tight regulations around user data</h2>

The bill specifies&nbsp;that entities collecting user data must obtain explicit consent from users. Consent requests should be communicated in clear and simple language.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;"Data Protection Bill is much needed in our current scenario,"&nbsp;says Rahul Matthan, Partner, Trilegal

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Users also retain the right to revoke their consent at a later time. Moreover, the bill introduces a provision for establishing a mechanism to address grievances, utilising consent managers to assist users in giving, managing, reviewing, and withdrawing their consent.

<h2>Voluntary disclosure of a breach</h2>

The introduced bill also brings forth the idea of companies making voluntary disclosures in the event of a data or security breach, coupled with an alternate dispute resolution system aimed at alleviating the load on the judicial system.&nbsp;

A senior official from the government was quoted by Economic Times as saying, “If a company makes a mistake, they have the option of voluntary disclosure, it's like the plea bargain provision in the US law.”

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The world’s second-largest data market, India on Thursday (August 3) moved a step closer to having its major privacy bill, which had been in-the-making for the last five years.

The world’s second-largest data market, India on Thursday (August 3) moved a step closer to having its major privacy bill, which had been in-the-making for the last five years. India’s IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw tabled the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2023 in the parliament a year after an older version of the draft was withdrawn following criticism from tech giants. Provisions of the bill Named as the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, this proposed law aims to grant significant decision-making authority to the Central government. This authority encompasses the ability to exempt specific data-handling entities, such as startups, from certain regulations, if deemed necessary. Additionally, it permits the processing of children's data, provided the responsible entity demonstrates sufficient protective measures. Under the proposed law, the government will also have the power to identify countries where the transfer of individuals' personal data is prohibited, a change from the previous bill draft that suggested allowing data transfers to "notified countries and territories." Severe penalty of as much as $30 million The bill mandates that the public must provide accurate personal information and refrain from impersonating others. Failure to adhere to these responsibilities may result in penalties for individuals, ranging up to $121 (10,000 Indian rupees). For data-handling entities that violate the law, fines could be as high as $30 million (250 crore Indian rupees). The bill outlines the provision of appealing decisions made by the data protection board to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal within a 60-day timeframe. Tight regulations around user data The bill specifies that entities collecting user data must obtain explicit consent from users. Consent requests should be communicated in clear and simple language. Watch: "Data Protection Bill is much needed in our current scenario," says Rahul Matthan, Partner, Trilegal × Users also retain the right to revoke their consent at a later time. Moreover, the bill introduces a provision for establishing a mechanism to address grievances, utilising consent managers to assist users in giving, managing, reviewing, and withdrawing their consent. Voluntary disclosure of a breach The introduced bill also brings forth the idea of companies making voluntary disclosures in the event of a data or security breach, coupled with an alternate dispute resolution system aimed at alleviating the load on the judicial system. A senior official from the government was quoted by Economic Times as saying, “If a company makes a mistake, they have the option of voluntary disclosure, it's like the plea bargain provision in the US law.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Govt tables data bill in parliament with penalties as high as $30mn for violators

The US is extremely worried about the American data falling into the hands of the Chinese govt. Reportedly, Chinese individuals could access TikTok's US user data. Now, the social media company's chief has testified before the US Senate.

US lawmakers grill TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat executives about ties with China

At least 10,000 mobile applications on Apple's iOS store App Store have conformed with the company's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature a week after it was rolled out, a new report claims.

The report from AppFigures, an analytics, app data and analysis firm claims that "permission prompts" have been accepted by 10,000 applications, news agency IANS reported. The report claims that at least 10,000 applications have enabled permission requests to track "Identification for Developer (IDFA)" tags of users that fall in line with the company latest guidelines.

Even then, the guidelines have a long way to go before finding acceptance on the App Store where at least two million applications exist, according to a report by Apple Insider. Out of the 10,000 apps that have accepted ATT, games account for the largest number with 20 per cent of the total applications.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/apple-hit-with-eu-antitrust-charge-over-app-store-practices-381696" hreflang="en">Apple hit with EU antitrust charge over App Store practices</a> 
 
Categories including utilities, entertainment, news and shopping have an acceptance rate of 6 per cent so far. Apps that track user data significantly - social media applications are yet to majorly conform to ATT, accounting for only 5 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/apple-inc-to-roll-out-ios-update-to-limit-digital-advertisers-from-tracking-iphone-users-380692" hreflang="en">Apple Inc to roll out iOS update to limit digital advertisers from tracking iPhone users</a>

The report suggests that these "prompts" put forward by application developers include an array of requests to track user data. These include prompts with detailed explanations to default text. The report adds that many also include misleading statements. 
 
The approval from Apple could take a while as the company sifts through thousands of updates that came after the release of iOS 14.5 on Monday, the report added. Apple recently introduced ATT to its iOS, iPadOS and tvOS platforms. It has stirred mixed reactions from everyone for it requires developers to seek permission from users before tracking them in applications across the web.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 10,000 mobile applications on Apple's iOS store App Store have conformed with the company's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature a week after it was rolled out, a new report claims.

At least 10,000 mobile applications on Apple's iOS store App Store have conformed with the company's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature a week after it was rolled out, a new report claims. The report from AppFigures, an analytics, app data and analysis firm claims that "permission prompts" have been accepted by 10,000 applications, news agency IANS reported. The report claims that at least 10,000 applications have enabled permission requests to track "Identification for Developer (IDFA)" tags of users that fall in line with the company latest guidelines. Even then, the guidelines have a long way to go before finding acceptance on the App Store where at least two million applications exist, according to a report by Apple Insider. Out of the 10,000 apps that have accepted ATT, games account for the largest number with 20 per cent of the total applications. Also read: Apple hit with EU antitrust charge over App Store practices Categories including utilities, entertainment, news and shopping have an acceptance rate of 6 per cent so far. Apps that track user data significantly - social media applications are yet to majorly conform to ATT, accounting for only 5 per cent. Also read: Apple Inc to roll out iOS update to limit digital advertisers from tracking iPhone users The report suggests that these "prompts" put forward by application developers include an array of requests to track user data. These include prompts with detailed explanations to default text. The report adds that many also include misleading statements. The approval from Apple could take a while as the company sifts through thousands of updates that came after the release of iOS 14.5 on Monday, the report added. Apple recently introduced ATT to its iOS, iPadOS and tvOS platforms. It has stirred mixed reactions from everyone for it requires developers to seek permission from users before tracking them in applications across the web. (With inputs from agencies)

Only 10,000 iOS apps follow Apple's new user tracking guidelines so far: Report

A group of US senators have sent letters to some major tech giants such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/twitter">Twitter</a> to question the digital ad exchanges and whether user’s data has been sold to foreign entities that could use it for blackmail or other unethical practices.

In order to provide services of personalised ads a user receives, businesses gather personal information such as search history, IP address, age, gender and other sensitive information.

US senators have questioned the sale of this data during the auction process which was also provided to AT&amp;T, Index Exchange, Magnite, OpenX, PubMatic and Verizon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-lawmakers-press-big-tech-for-internal-research-on-kids-mental-health-374497" hreflang="en">US lawmakers press Big Tech for internal research on kids' mental health</a>

"Few Americans realize that some auction participants are siphoning off and storing 'bidstream' data to compile exhaustive dossiers about them," Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat representing Oregon said.

"This information would be a goldmine for foreign intelligence services that could exploit it to inform and supercharge hacking, blackmail, and influence campaigns," Wyden added. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/april-fools-day-history-significance-and-why-is-it-celebrated-374848" hreflang="en">April Fool's Day: History, significance and why is it celebrated</a>

The senators believe information such as user’s location, web activity, age, gender and devices can be gathered for the purpose of personalising ads.

"These dossiers are being openly sold to anyone with a credit card, including to hedge funds, political campaigns, and even to governments,"&nbsp;the senators wrote.

Senators have given these big tech companies time till May 04 to respond to these questions. However, AT&amp;T has denied the accusations.

"We received the letter and will respond as requested, but we have thorough processes in place to protect the data referenced in the letter,"&nbsp;the company said.

A group of US senators have sent letters to some major tech giants such as Google and Twitter to question the digital ad exchanges and whether user’s data has been sold to foreign entities that could use it for blackmail or other unethical practices.

A group of US senators have sent letters to some major tech giants such as Google and Twitter to question the digital ad exchanges and whether user’s data has been sold to foreign entities that could use it for blackmail or other unethical practices. In order to provide services of personalised ads a user receives, businesses gather personal information such as search history, IP address, age, gender and other sensitive information. US senators have questioned the sale of this data during the auction process which was also provided to AT&T, Index Exchange, Magnite, OpenX, PubMatic and Verizon. Also read | US lawmakers press Big Tech for internal research on kids' mental health "Few Americans realize that some auction participants are siphoning off and storing 'bidstream' data to compile exhaustive dossiers about them," Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat representing Oregon said. "This information would be a goldmine for foreign intelligence services that could exploit it to inform and supercharge hacking, blackmail, and influence campaigns," Wyden added. Also read | April Fool's Day: History, significance and why is it celebrated The senators believe information such as user’s location, web activity, age, gender and devices can be gathered for the purpose of personalising ads. "These dossiers are being openly sold to anyone with a credit card, including to hedge funds, political campaigns, and even to governments," the senators wrote. Senators have given these big tech companies time till May 04 to respond to these questions. However, AT&T has denied the accusations. "We received the letter and will respond as requested, but we have thorough processes in place to protect the data referenced in the letter," the company said.

US lawmakers question Google, Twitter and others over auction of user data

Japan`s government said on Wedneseday it would investigate messaging app Line, owned by SoftBank Corp`s Z Holdings Corp, after Japanese media reports that it let Chinese engineers at a Shanghai affiliate access Japanese users` data without informing them.

Under Japanese privacy regulations, companies have to let users know when their personal data is sent overseas, public broadcaster pubic broadcaster NHK and other local media reported earlier.

"We can`t say yet if Line breached regulations or not, and we are conducting an investigation to find out," a government official responsible for overseeing privacy regulations told Reuters. If Line is found to have acted improperly then the Cabinet Office can direct it to make improvements, he added.

"There hasn`t been anything that breached legal or regulatory boundaries," a spokesman for Line said." We will continue to respond to laws and regulations in all jurisdictions, including Japan."

In a statement posted later on its website, the company apologized for causing any concern and for not adequately explaining policies regarding data management to users.

No inappropriate access occurred, it added.

Four engineers at a company in China, who perform system maintenance for Line, were allowed to access servers in Japan from 2018 that contained the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of users, local media said.

The reports come as Japan tightens laws and regulation around the use and storage of personal data held by internet companies.

Line, which has 186 million users worldwide - of which just under half are in Japan - has since blocked access to user data at the Chinese affiliate, the company spokesman said.

Line this month became part of Z Holdings, formerly Yahoo Japan, creating a $30 billion domestic internet heavyweight to compete against local and U.S. rivals.

Messages sent via Line can only be read by the sender and receiver as the app, like other messaging apps, encrypts message content end to end.

Z Holdings is controlled by SoftBank Corp through holding company A Holdings, which is jointly owned by SoftBank Corp and South Korea`s Naver Corp, the former operator of Line.

Z Holdings, which plans to invest 500 billion yen ($4.58 billion) in technology over the next five years, announced the Line tie-up last year but was forced to delay the move from October because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Line has expanded its business into cashless payment and more recently telemedicine.

Shares of Z Holdings, which also controls fashion retailer Zozo Inc and office supplies firm Askul Corp, dipped 1.1% to 611 yen, compared with the Tokyo exchange`s TOPIX index which was flat.

Japan`s government said on Wedneseday it would investigate messaging app Line, owned by SoftBank Corp`s Z Holdings Corp, after Japanese media reports that it let Chinese engineers at a Shanghai affiliate access Japanese users` data without informing them.

Japan`s government said on Wedneseday it would investigate messaging app Line, owned by SoftBank Corp`s Z Holdings Corp, after Japanese media reports that it let Chinese engineers at a Shanghai affiliate access Japanese users` data without informing them. Under Japanese privacy regulations, companies have to let users know when their personal data is sent overseas, public broadcaster pubic broadcaster NHK and other local media reported earlier. "We can`t say yet if Line breached regulations or not, and we are conducting an investigation to find out," a government official responsible for overseeing privacy regulations told Reuters. If Line is found to have acted improperly then the Cabinet Office can direct it to make improvements, he added. "There hasn`t been anything that breached legal or regulatory boundaries," a spokesman for Line said." We will continue to respond to laws and regulations in all jurisdictions, including Japan." In a statement posted later on its website, the company apologized for causing any concern and for not adequately explaining policies regarding data management to users. No inappropriate access occurred, it added. Four engineers at a company in China, who perform system maintenance for Line, were allowed to access servers in Japan from 2018 that contained the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of users, local media said. The reports come as Japan tightens laws and regulation around the use and storage of personal data held by internet companies. Line, which has 186 million users worldwide - of which just under half are in Japan - has since blocked access to user data at the Chinese affiliate, the company spokesman said. Line this month became part of Z Holdings, formerly Yahoo Japan, creating a $30 billion domestic internet heavyweight to compete against local and U.S. rivals. Messages sent via Line can only be read by the sender and receiver as the app, like other messaging apps, encrypts message content end to end. Z Holdings is controlled by SoftBank Corp through holding company A Holdings, which is jointly owned by SoftBank Corp and South Korea`s Naver Corp, the former operator of Line. Z Holdings, which plans to invest 500 billion yen ($4.58 billion) in technology over the next five years, announced the Line tie-up last year but was forced to delay the move from October because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Line has expanded its business into cashless payment and more recently telemedicine. Shares of Z Holdings, which also controls fashion retailer Zozo Inc and office supplies firm Askul Corp, dipped 1.1% to 611 yen, compared with the Tokyo exchange`s TOPIX index which was flat.

Japan to probe Line let after reports it let Chinese engineers access user data

After the United States, India has made the second-highest requests to Facebook for user data. These requests were made between July and December in 2019 as per Facebook's transparency report.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-agrees-to-pay-52-million-settlement-for-trauma-to-content-reviewers-298323">Facebook agrees to pay $52 million settlement for trauma to content reviewers</a>

According to the report, India made 26,698 requests for the data of 39,664 users and accounts. Out of them, Facebook complied with 57 per cent of these requests. These requests by the government have been on an all-time high ever since their 3,245 requests during the first six months of 2013.&nbsp;

According to Facebook, it responds to government requests for the data according to their laws and terms of service. Every request goes through a rigorous review to check its legal sufficiency. The company could reject it or require more detail on the requests that appear vague.

Out of the total requests made by the Indian government (26,698), seven per cent were emergency-related where the law enforcement could submit requests without legal proceedings.&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Facebook reportedly agreed to a $52 million court settlement to compensate content moderators who were required to view contents of the social media giant which caused them mental trauma,&nbsp;news agency AFP reported quoting plaintiff lawyers.&nbsp;

The class-action lawsuit filed in 2018 claimed that the content reviewers were subject to psychological trauma from repeated exposure to graphic content such as child sexual abuse, beheadings, terrorism, animal cruelty, rape and murder.

After the United States, India has made the second-highest requests to Facebook for user data. These requests were made between July and December in 2019 as per Facebook's transparency report.

After the United States, India has made the second-highest requests to Facebook for user data. These requests were made between July and December in 2019 as per Facebook's transparency report. Also read: Facebook agrees to pay $52 million settlement for trauma to content reviewers According to the report, India made 26,698 requests for the data of 39,664 users and accounts. Out of them, Facebook complied with 57 per cent of these requests. These requests by the government have been on an all-time high ever since their 3,245 requests during the first six months of 2013. According to Facebook, it responds to government requests for the data according to their laws and terms of service. Every request goes through a rigorous review to check its legal sufficiency. The company could reject it or require more detail on the requests that appear vague. Out of the total requests made by the Indian government (26,698), seven per cent were emergency-related where the law enforcement could submit requests without legal proceedings. Earlier, Facebook reportedly agreed to a $52 million court settlement to compensate content moderators who were required to view contents of the social media giant which caused them mental trauma, news agency AFP reported quoting plaintiff lawyers. The class-action lawsuit filed in 2018 claimed that the content reviewers were subject to psychological trauma from repeated exposure to graphic content such as child sexual abuse, beheadings, terrorism, animal cruelty, rape and murder.

India makes second-most user data requests to Facebook: reports

Twitter on Tuesday apologised after "inadvertently" using phone numbers and email addresses for advertising even though the personal data was provided for account security.

Twitter users' phone numbers and email addresses,&nbsp;submitted to allow for account authentication,&nbsp;were matched with advertisers' own data to enable targeted ads.

"When you provided an email address or phone number for safety or security purposes this data may have inadvertently been used for advertising purposes," Twitter said in an online post.

"This was an error and we apologise."

None of the user data was shared with partners outside the company, and it was unclear how many people were affected, the San Francisco-based company said.

The issue was fixed in mid-September, Twitter said.

"We're very sorry this happened and are taking steps to make sure we don’t make a mistake like this again," Twitter said.

Privacy and internet data are hot political topics worldwide, with tech giants such as Twitter and Facebook in the crosshairs of regulators.

Twitter on Tuesday apologised after "inadvertently" using phone numbers and email addresses for advertising even though the personal data was provided for account security.

Twitter on Tuesday apologised after "inadvertently" using phone numbers and email addresses for advertising even though the personal data was provided for account security. Twitter users' phone numbers and email addresses, submitted to allow for account authentication, were matched with advertisers' own data to enable targeted ads. "When you provided an email address or phone number for safety or security purposes this data may have inadvertently been used for advertising purposes," Twitter said in an online post. "This was an error and we apologise." None of the user data was shared with partners outside the company, and it was unclear how many people were affected, the San Francisco-based company said. The issue was fixed in mid-September, Twitter said. "We're very sorry this happened and are taking steps to make sure we don’t make a mistake like this again," Twitter said. Privacy and internet data are hot political topics worldwide, with tech giants such as Twitter and Facebook in the crosshairs of regulators.

Twitter admits phone numbers meant for security used for ads

Is a peek into the future worth your privacy in the present? That concern was pushed to the spotlight this week with the resurgence of a smartphone app that uses artificial intelligence to transform your current face into your younger and older selves. People raised fears on Twitter and other social media sites that on iPhones, FaceApp would be able to see and upload all your photos, including screenshots with sensitive financial or health information or photos of children with the names of their schools in the background. That's not actually true, but the scuttle serves as a good reminder to think twice before downloading new apps. Even large, mainstream apps routinely collect user data.

Myths and risks seen in FaceApp use

Facebook has formed data-sharing partnerships with 60 device makers, including Apple and Microsoft, giving them access to information of users and even their friends, a media report has claimed, weeks after the social media faced massive backlash for improperly sharing personal data of up to 87 million people.

The New York Times yesterday revealed the partnerships, shedding new light on the social media giant's behaviour related to customer data in the wake of a scandal involving the British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica.

Facebook, which was founded in 2004, has reached data-sharing partnerships with at least 60 device makers including Apple, Amazon, BlackBerry, Microsoft and Samsung over the last decade, starting before Facebook apps were widely available on smartphones, company officials were quoted as saying by the report.

The deals allowed Facebook to expand its reach and let device makers offer customers popular features of the social network, such as messaging, "like" buttons and address books. The agreements that Facebook entered raise "concerns about the company's privacy protections and compliance with a 2011 consent decree" with the Federal Trade Commission, the report said.

"Facebook allowed the device companies access to the data of users' friends without their explicit consent, even after declaring that it would no longer share such information with outsiders," the daily said reporting the results of its investigation.

Some device makers could retrieve personal information even from users' friends who believed they had barred any sharing, The New York Times found.

In interviews to The New York Times, Facebook however defended its data sharing agreement and asserted that these are consistent with its privacy policies, the FTC agreement and pledges to users.

"These partnerships work very differently from the way in which app developers use our platform," Ime Archibong, Facebook vice president told the daily.

Unlike developers that provide games and services to Facebook users, the device partners can use Facebook data only to provide versions of "the Facebook experience," the officials were quoted as saying.

"You might think that Facebook or the device manufacturer is trustworthy. But the problem is that as more and more data is collected on the device and if it can be accessed by apps on the device it creates serious privacy and security risks," Serge Egelman, a privacy researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, who studies the security of mobile apps, told the daily.

The report comes as Facebook has come under scrutiny for its handling of private data after it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica accessed millions of users' private information.

In April, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had admitted making a "huge mistake" as personal data of up to 87 million users may have been improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica.&nbsp;

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The deals allowed Facebook to expand its reach and let the device makers offer customers popular features of the social network, such as 'like' buttons and address books

Facebook has formed data-sharing partnerships with 60 device makers, including Apple and Microsoft, giving them access to information of users and even their friends, a media report has claimed, weeks after the social media faced massive backlash for improperly sharing personal data of up to 87 million people. The New York Times yesterday revealed the partnerships, shedding new light on the social media giant's behaviour related to customer data in the wake of a scandal involving the British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. Facebook, which was founded in 2004, has reached data-sharing partnerships with at least 60 device makers including Apple, Amazon, BlackBerry, Microsoft and Samsung over the last decade, starting before Facebook apps were widely available on smartphones, company officials were quoted as saying by the report. The deals allowed Facebook to expand its reach and let device makers offer customers popular features of the social network, such as messaging, "like" buttons and address books. The agreements that Facebook entered raise "concerns about the company's privacy protections and compliance with a 2011 consent decree" with the Federal Trade Commission, the report said. "Facebook allowed the device companies access to the data of users' friends without their explicit consent, even after declaring that it would no longer share such information with outsiders," the daily said reporting the results of its investigation. Some device makers could retrieve personal information even from users' friends who believed they had barred any sharing, The New York Times found. In interviews to The New York Times, Facebook however defended its data sharing agreement and asserted that these are consistent with its privacy policies, the FTC agreement and pledges to users. "These partnerships work very differently from the way in which app developers use our platform," Ime Archibong, Facebook vice president told the daily. Unlike developers that provide games and services to Facebook users, the device partners can use Facebook data only to provide versions of "the Facebook experience," the officials were quoted as saying. "You might think that Facebook or the device manufacturer is trustworthy. But the problem is that as more and more data is collected on the device and if it can be accessed by apps on the device it creates serious privacy and security risks," Serge Egelman, a privacy researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, who studies the security of mobile apps, told the daily. The report comes as Facebook has come under scrutiny for its handling of private data after it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica accessed millions of users' private information. In April, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had admitted making a "huge mistake" as personal data of up to 87 million users may have been improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica. ×

Facebook shared user data with over 60 device makers including Apple, Samsung: Report

The Delhi High Court, while allowing Facebook-owned WhatsApp to enforce its new privacy policy, issued directions to safeguard the interest of the users.

The court stated that WhatsApp could not appropriate data of the users who have been using the popular messaging service since before September 25. 
 
The court added that protection of data would be extended to those who had deleted their accounts and prohibited WhatsApp from using this data for its commercial purpose.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the telecom regulatory body, was also asked to determine if an instant messaging service such as WhatsApp could be could be brought under existing statutory framework. To this, TRAI responded that so far, &quot;instant messaging applications have not yet been brought within the purview of the statutory regulatory framework.&quot;

On August 25, WhatsApp, issued a notification asking its users to accept the changes they made in its terms and conditions. 
 
According to the new terms, the instant messaging app would share the user information it collected with their parent company Facebook and all its group companies for commercial advertising and marketing on its platform.

The information shared would include phone numbers and information on a user&#39;s contact list.

This policy was challenged in the High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by students Karmanya Singh Sareen and Shreya Sethi, who alleged that by sharing information, WhatsApp was &quot;violation of fundamental rights of users.&quot;

The petitioners contended the new policy completely compromised the basic tenet of complete security and protection of privacy of the details and data belonging to users.

It was this basic, yet extremely significant, essential and basic feature of this internet-based messaging service, that attracted many of the users. 
 
However, the instant messaging app, defended its policy by stating that users were not obliged to use the application. Though, no notice was issued to the respondent, WhatsApp chose to enter appearance on its own accord and submitted a short affidavit, on September 19, detailing the key features of its new policy.

In its affidavit, the respondents stated that not only WhatsApp did not store information on its servers beyond 30 days, it also gave the users the option to not share their information with Facebook.

The policy, which is likely to take effect on 25 September, allows users not to accept the new policy by making changes in their WhatsApp settings and un-checking on the box allowing for sharing of information.

In order &quot;to protect interest of users&quot;, the bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal directed WhatsApp to delete information and data of persons who opt out of the service before September 25 and not to share it with Facebook or its group companies. 
 
(This report was first published in DNA)

The app plans to share the user information it has with their parent company Facebook for advertising and marketing purposes

The Delhi High Court, while allowing Facebook-owned WhatsApp to enforce its new privacy policy, issued directions to safeguard the interest of the users. The court stated that WhatsApp could not appropriate data of the users who have been using the popular messaging service since before September 25. The court added that protection of data would be extended to those who had deleted their accounts and prohibited WhatsApp from using this data for its commercial purpose. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the telecom regulatory body, was also asked to determine if an instant messaging service such as WhatsApp could be could be brought under existing statutory framework. To this, TRAI responded that so far, "instant messaging applications have not yet been brought within the purview of the statutory regulatory framework." On August 25, WhatsApp, issued a notification asking its users to accept the changes they made in its terms and conditions. According to the new terms, the instant messaging app would share the user information it collected with their parent company Facebook and all its group companies for commercial advertising and marketing on its platform. The information shared would include phone numbers and information on a user's contact list. This policy was challenged in the High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by students Karmanya Singh Sareen and Shreya Sethi, who alleged that by sharing information, WhatsApp was "violation of fundamental rights of users." The petitioners contended the new policy completely compromised the basic tenet of complete security and protection of privacy of the details and data belonging to users. It was this basic, yet extremely significant, essential and basic feature of this internet-based messaging service, that attracted many of the users. However, the instant messaging app, defended its policy by stating that users were not obliged to use the application. Though, no notice was issued to the respondent, WhatsApp chose to enter appearance on its own accord and submitted a short affidavit, on September 19, detailing the key features of its new policy. In its affidavit, the respondents stated that not only WhatsApp did not store information on its servers beyond 30 days, it also gave the users the option to not share their information with Facebook. The policy, which is likely to take effect on 25 September, allows users not to accept the new policy by making changes in their WhatsApp settings and un-checking on the box allowing for sharing of information. In order "to protect interest of users", the bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal directed WhatsApp to delete information and data of persons who opt out of the service before September 25 and not to share it with Facebook or its group companies. (This report was first published in DNA)

Indian court directs WhatsApp to delete all user data until September 25

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