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A California man is suing Facebook for allegedly scanning the content of private messages sent between users of the site.
The suit alleges that Facebook scans the messages in search of hyperlinks sent between users. "If there is a link to a web page contained in that message, Facebook treats it as a 'like' of the page, and increases the page's 'like,' counter by one," the suit contends. The site tracks when users "like" pages in order to compile individual profiles that allow third parties to send targeted advertisements.
Source: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/facebook-sued-for-scanning-private-user-messages/article/2591806
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Facebook Sued for Scanning Private User Messages
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(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 25 2016, @05:18PM
Why did you? If you want the service, you must accept the abuse. Because, individually, you don't wield enough power to make a difference.
Same AC here.
Why? WRT Spirit, I'd already purchased a non-refundable ticket before I knew what a wretched hive of scum and villany they were. As for Mariott, I'm staying there because a half-dozen members of my family are doing so as well.
I gave Spirit as much false information as I could and bit the bullet, as they say.
With Mariott, I used the telephone to make my reservation, avoiding the necessity to sign up for their "rewards" program.
You're right that I, personally, don't have enough clout to make these scumbags change their policies.
Had I known what I know now about Spirit Airlines, I never would have purchased a ticket from them in the first place. You live and learn.
As for Mariott, I've stayed in their hotels many times without any of this crap. Interestingly, the reservation agent I dealt with said that he'd only recently started hearing complaints about this. Perhaps if enough people complain, they'll make some changes.
At the same time, I will most certainly vote with my wallet. Spirit Airlines will *never* get another nickel from me. Mariott will most likely not either.
That is why we need laws specifically protecting privacy in ways that can't be easily signed away, because only by acting collectively do we wield enough power to bring wealthy corporations to heel.
Collective political action is unlikely to make any difference whatever, as the last twenty years or so of legislation and judicial decisions have clearly shown.
Which is why I bothered to post my original comment. If others read it and decide not to patronize these greedy fucks, that punishes them. Probably not enough to force them to make any changes, but if even one person decides not to use the services of these corporations, I'll consider it a win.